Anyone delaying breast reconstruction after masectomy?

mircann
mircann Member Posts: 45
edited May 2015 in Breast Reconstruction


Hi,

I am newly diagnosed and had no nerve to consult with the plastic surgeon before my masctetomy..I was a mess and scared and didn't want to talk to one more MD and get one more assessment..so now Im without a left breast and I met with oncologist yesterday and he is hinting that its not a good idea to do breast reconstruction now...due to having to do rads in near future...but I will see the plastic surgeon anyway and he put in the apt for me. So now..is it really that dangerous to do it a month or two later..? what are the disadvangages to delaying this surgery ? and we don't know yet if I will have chemo or rads yet as we are still waiting for the oncotype results. Are there some surgeries that might be less troublesome if delayed like this? How long can I put off the rads? Im only stage 1 and nothing in the nodes but my tumor grade was a 3. Im so confused and was wondering what other women have done...? any info welcome...thanks.

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited May 2015

    I too had delayed reconstruction and also had a grade 3 tumor. I ended up not needing radiation or chemo. I had my BMX surgery in October and just had TE placement surgery on March 19. My dr wanted me to wait and then complete chemo/rads if necessary before starting reconstruction so I didn't even consult with PS until January, I think. I waited 4 months even after I knew I didn't need further treatment. It gave me plenty of time to heal up and get ready for reconstruction. I wore prosthetics during that time.

    Sorry you're on this journey! I don't think there's any reason to rush into anything. At first I was upset that I had to endure an extra surgery but I'm doing fine.

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  • Sparkle2014
    Sparkle2014 Member Posts: 139
    edited May 2015

    waiting can and may be a blessing,,,,, gives you time to research reconstruction and plan what works best,,, good to have time and not feel rushed into wrong decision.. i hope you're doing ok,,,,!

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  • mircann
    mircann Member Posts: 45
    edited May 2015

    Hummingbird,

    I noticed you had the same diagnosis as me (pretty much except I had an additional DCIS- on same breast that was of concern). What did you rate with your oncotype score? did you end up getting chemo? how many months?I am getting chemo as my score was high...waiting to talk to oncologist.


     

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