rads after reconstruction

I too had rads after recon...I have to say, expect some changes in the radiated breast. I have some moderate encapsulation, shrinkage, scar tissue and a rough edge where the implant has folded up close under my arm. A revision tweeking surgery is no doubt ahead, just not anytime soon. I did have some PT which really did help soften things up for a few weeks, but that seems to have been temporary. I am so sorry to be a bummer of info....perhaps someone else will respond with better results, and your own recovery could be completely different. Would I do it again, yes. did it stay the way I wanted, no. But not having the ideal rack is ok. I still feel great, look good. I read once, "In clothes I look natural and perky. Naked, I just look perky." I told this to my Onc, he was tickled and laughed.

You are so welcome! I work on my range of motion to keep full range....and I am glad I did that because I think if I had not I would have much less than before. As far as strength....I know the implants under the pectorals reduces my upper body strength. I can do a "trick" with my pectorals and make them jump like you see body builders do, because the muscles are more prominent and the breast implants are underneath. This stretching out of the muscles creates a weaker upper body, at least this is my experience. If I worked with weights or push ups or some specific upper body strengthening exercises I feel like my overall upper body strength would improve. So I do not feel like it cannot come back, perhaps less, yes...I have not worked at building back like I should, so end results are not known. I feel like if you work at it you will have your strength return. Does that make sense? Hope so!