Saline implants and receiving radiation?

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geroNP23
geroNP23 Member Posts: 32
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hello...it's my first post ever in here, and forgive me, this topic may be somewhere else...maybe in the radiation section-I just didn't look too terribly far and my head is swirling; just got diagnosed, grade 2 DCIS, stage O, ER+ and PR+. Saw breast oncology/surgeon, ordering MRI and did BRAC1/2 blood test today. So waiting further. Discussed options, and my mass is small (6mm), and only one; however, while a would love to do just a lumpectomy, I am very worried about radiation-I have bilat saline implants I had placed in 2005; I have read about capsular fibrosis and wondering how many of you had dealt with this; I am almost thinking mastectomy if it means I would have to have the implant replaced at a later day due to all those issues. Thoughts? Advice? am I totally in the wrong thread? Thanks in advance. 

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  • TarheelMichelle
    TarheelMichelle Member Posts: 871
    edited February 2013

    Hi gero, this reply is only my 2nd post here. I'm kind of new to the site, too. I had my saline implants when I had my lumpectomy/radiation in 2008. Do not worry. The radiation is precisely targeted to the lumpectomy area. I had no issues with capsular fibrosis. A few more related thoughts.... It kind of sucks to have beautiful augmented breasts and then have to have surgery but there are advantages too. I had a fantastic surgeon who had to take out a lot of tissue but my breast still looks great. The scars are hard to see. Make sure you take advantage of your insurance, if you have it, for buying post-surgery bras and camisoles. You will feel better during recovery knowing your bras are comfortable and fit properly especially during radiation when your skin will be sensitive. I wish you peace during these next few months.

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  • geroNP23
    geroNP23 Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2013

    Tarheel-thanks so much for your response. It's encouraging to hear that even after 5  years you have had no issues with your implants. From the research I have found, they say it can develop over months, even years. I LOVE how my implants look right now-even though some say I am due to change them. I do meet with the surgeon that placed them this week to further discuss it and get his take on it. It's amazing-my onco doc said had it not been for the implants pushing the breast tissue forward, we may not have caught my lump! My fake boobs saved me from my real ones.....thanks again for the encouraging words and wishes! 

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  • TarheelMichelle
    TarheelMichelle Member Posts: 871
    edited March 2013

    How did your appt with surgeon go? We have something else in common. I believe my implants "caught" my Stage I, in the same way yours did, and also my recurrence in my lung and ribs (other side). The weight of the implant against my ribs was terribly painful for several months. Hope all is going well as you plan your treatment.

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  • geroNP23
    geroNP23 Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2013

    Tar Heel....Lots happened since this. MRI after + biopsy revealed more disease on the right and a few spots on left. Awaiting bx results on bth sides now. Leaning towards Bilat mastectomy. The more I think about it..... Seems to be the best option. They found 5.5 cm more disease on right so will lose the right breast for sur(don't have enough tissue to clear margins). But I have lots of options with reconstruction per my surgeon. Been a lot of waiting.....ready to get it done. Don't want radiation and hoping wont need tamoxifen....... Ugh.

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  • TarheelMichelle
    TarheelMichelle Member Posts: 871
    edited April 2013

    Ugh is right. I'll be thinking about you and hope your treatment plan will give you a pair you feel sensational about. Let us know how biopsy went if you'd like to share.

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