Radiation after Mastectomy - don't want to do it

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cattywompus
cattywompus Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After


I had a breast augmentation 10yrs ago and I'm 41 now. When I found out I had breast cancer this August I was told if I did a mastectomy w/reconstruction I would not have to do radiation. Once they got in to remove the tumor, the margin were narrow. Because of the narrow margins they say I have a 15-45% chance of the BC coming back if I don't do radiation. I realize I'm lucky and my tumor was small, lymph nodes clean, and I'm a Stage 1. I'm suppose to start radiation in 3 days. I'm afraid if do radiation, after my tissue expander is removed and the implant is then put in, I may get the hardening that happens from radiation. I realize that this can happen 2 yrs or 10yrs down the road. My PS did overfill my tissue expander to make room for my breast possibly shrinking. I never had issues with my implants, which I know some women do even with a typical augmentation. Can anyone calm my fears on what can happen to my breast after radiation and tissue expander is removed. Part of me really wants to cancel the radiation.

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited November 2013


    Please do the radiation. I had radiation due to close margins. I also had that TE overfilled in case of shrinking. During rads I used aloe vera gel regularly ( even brought it into the rad dressing room for immediately after rads). Also used Lubriderm for sensitive skin. I stayed as well hydrated as I could; my rads center even had a fridge with drinks, as well as tea and coffee. I would drink tea or juice before I would let myself leave the rads center. I went bra less during rads to avoid irritation to my skin - I bought men's white tshirts, larger than normal so they were loose and wore those. I then waited almost 6 months after rads and had my exchange surgery AND fat grafting at the same time. My new breasts with implants look wonderful - including the rads side. You CAN do this! A good outcome is possible! I am 45, close to your age - we can still be here for a VERY long life - please do everything you can to ensure this. Hugs!

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited November 2013


    Forgot to add - research the fat grafting. It has done wonders to heal and repair my rads side.

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  • cattywompus
    cattywompus Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2013


    Thank you so much for your reply! Today was my first day of radiation. I took your advice and am staying well hydrated. The place I am doing radiation does not have a place for cold drinks so I bring my own and drink it afterwards. I'm using plenty of lotion too. Your reply really helped me out. Thank you!

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited November 2013


    cattywompus - you are most welcome! Hang in there - radiation is no walk in the park, but it does wonders to lower risk. You are strong! You can do this! Before you know it, this too shall pass. Hugs!

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