For those with BMX Implants (first) who had to have radiation

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Timbek2
Timbek2 Member Posts: 204
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I already had my surgery BMX with immediate Saline IMplants.  I am very concerned about having radiation and how it could affect my implants.  I don't get to see the radiologist until I finish chemo in Feb.  So I wondered if some could share their experience.  My mo said today I will have 32-35 treatments.  Wont' know til i see RO.  I am concerned about where they will zap me exactly since I have implants. I had node involvement so I assume that i wil get zapped under my arm.  But will they zap my fake breast also???  Any and all input appreciated!

Becki

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  • Timbek2
    Timbek2 Member Posts: 204
    edited December 2012

    bump...anyone???

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  • Alirena
    Alirena Member Posts: 82
    edited December 2012

    Sending you a private message.

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited December 2012

    Yes, they zap the implants.  Apparently, it doesn't hurt the implant.

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  • lllowell
    lllowell Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2013

    HI, I had implants then radiation.  It went well but a few months later got a staph infection. Got antibitic transfusion and then got better. 2 months later got infection again. I had to have implants removed.  Thinking the infection was seeded on implants.  I did not have my regular plastic surgeon, he was on vacation.  My chest looks a mess.  I now do not have the option of implants because of the radiated skin. I only have the option of maybe a diep flap.  Not looking forward to this kind of surgery.  I am not mentally ready but my clothes really fit bad! I have to try to cover up my flat chest.  I am researching it.  Best of luck!!!! The radiation was not bad. You can do it just pay attention to keeping site clean.  

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  • Rose_d
    Rose_d Member Posts: 144
    edited January 2013

    Hi,



    I had my exchange to implant before my radiation. Finished radiation at the end of October and I don't notice any difference between my radiated side and my other side (I did a prophylactic BMX) other than some slightly darker skin under my armpit. They warned me a lot about cosmetic differences including the implant being smaller and higher but so far I haven't noticed it.



    One thing, because I had had 18 nodes removed (one positive the rest negative) my RO did NOT radiate my axilla. Only my breast area and my collarbone nodes. The reason is that radiating an area where you've already removed nodes increases your risk of lymphedema to as high as 50%.



    I had 3 opinions about radiation and they all agreed they would not recommend radiating the axilla.



    It sounded like there are real risks particularly around having the implant fail post radiation. But they (

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  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited January 2013

    Timbek nice to see you here! I am searching around on BCO looking for similar info. I have had a make a decision at last. I had a lumpectomy and SNB (yeah I know is shows up below) but the pathology was so dffierent than from core biopsy - 6/8 nodes, margins involved, extensive lympho vascular invasion etc. But as you know I am now doing chemo along with you. Since I now need a umx and axillary dissection, my choice is to add immediate reconstruction with T/E. This is really my only option as no fat and previous scars anyway. RO I saw in Dec. would not say whether better to have rads first or surgery but basically I knew when I went to PS this week that rads first make it really difficult to do recon after rads. So I am going ahead with all the surgery first and feel good about it. But I still have niggling thoughts about the cancer bursting forth while I have the break from chemo for the surgery. I will be on Armidex right after chemo but I know I am the one taking the chance. Back to your question though, from what my PS says, yes there is a chance of problems with the implant but seems to be not so much. Geez, always something that is not within our control!

    Rose, my BS and my RO would not agree with that 50% - both say 15-20%. Mu suspicion is that I will have rads to axilla since I already have 6/8.

    If anyone knows of a thread for surgery with recon before rads it would be apprecaiated. I kind of fall in a different area due to lumpectomy and chemo then more surgery. No time for umx after lumpectomy due to agressive fast growing cancer and chemo best course. 

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