DMx reconstruction then radiation - what kind of recon?

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catfish0613
catfish0613 Member Posts: 3
edited July 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm doing 12 weeks of Taxol/Carbo now then will do 12 weeks of dose dense AC. After chemo I plan to have a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction followed by radiation.

I'm trying to decide what type of reconstruction to have. I know some doctors say the expanders/implants can prohibit the effectiveness of radiation. I definitely don't want to delay reconstruction. im also hoping to be completely done with surgery and radiation by the end of 2015 if possible.

I'm considering the DIEP flap, but i understand that's a tough surgery.

Any advice?

 

 

TNBC stage 2b IDC. one lymph node biopsied and positive. 1.8 cm tumor. grade 3 

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  • kiwi322
    kiwi322 Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2015

    I had a pedicled tram flap and a friend had an expander/implant at about the same time and we go on long walks and talk about it and can't decide which was better. They've all got issues, especially when radiation is part of the treatment, so don't think you are missing what might be an obviously best option. She's relieved she didn't have a tougher op and I'm relieved I don't have to think about how the implant is performing over time or through radiation but I do have a weaker core.

    hope this helps.

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited June 2015

    I would recommend consulting several specialists before making the decisition. Different medical institutions have different recommended protocols. I had BMX with expanders, then chemo, then exchange to permanent silicone implants, and then radiation. Some institutions do not do it in this order.

    Radiation does not damage the implant but slightly shrinks the radiated tissues/breast in 9 out of 10 patients. As kiwi noted above, no option is perfect. If you want more details please PM me.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2015

    Dear kiwi322,

    Welcome to the BCO community and thanks for posting your story.We hope that you will stay connected here. The MOds

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited July 2015

    catfish - I had immediate DIEP reconstruction a year ago followed by radiation with no issues. It was a challenging recovery but looking back now I would absolutely make the same decision. You should definitely inform yourself about all your options, what the risks are for each, what the recovery time is for each option, and long term, what type of reconstruction you will be most happy with. Best wishes to you.

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