Anyone have additional fills after radiation?

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patty101014
patty101014 Member Posts: 53
edited September 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

I had TE placed during BMX and had them filled to what I thought seemed a good size for me prior to radiation. However, as the time has passed and swelling gone down, I really think id like to be a bit bigger when this is all said and done. I know o have to wait a minimum of six months now that radiation is done before exchange. Just wondering if it is possible to fill a bit more in six months before exchange surgery. Has anyone done this

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited August 2015

    yes, I had most of my fills after radiation. I just had to move a little slower with the filling process, then I waited 6 months after last fill for exchange.

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  • MzMolly
    MzMolly Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2015

    This is my first BC rodeo and feel so dumb having to make so many decisions. Had left breast removed. Margins clear, ER/PR+, HER2-, 5.7cm tumor. Had tissue expander implanted during surgery. Oncotype score 18. Oncologist says no chemo but need radiation. Been reading about all the complications with expanders and radiation. My plastic surgeon was surprised that I'm being considered for radiation. Part of the expander is metal. Now, my question.. Anyone else in my situation who had radiation with expander fully filled? I want to be treated aggressively and get over this part of my life. Will forego implant and reconstruction if that will avoid complications. Many thanks for any input

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  • jojo9999
    jojo9999 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2015

    I did. I had 1 fill at time of BMX and 2 fills post BMX and then started radiation for 5 weeks. If you fill a lot prior to radiation, sometimes they have to deflate it a bit because it gets in the way of the radiaiton beams. that was not my case - only had 360 cc total fills. I didn't have any additional fills after radiation. No complications with TE during radiation, but the radiation did seem to raise that side up a bit. Now with implants, that side is still up and doesn't feel very soft. I am reading up on the benefits of fat-grafting to help radiated skin. not sure if it should be done prior to implants (i'm too late for that!). Or will the radiated skin eventually soften up, years down the road?? I don't know.

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

    Molly, one can also have exchange surgery for permanent implant before radiation. You might want to discuss this with your PS and RO.

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  • MzMolly
    MzMolly Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2015

    Thank you both!

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  • MzMolly
    MzMolly Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2015

    Thank you!

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