Breast Reconstruction AFTER Radiation

Options
KellyAnne13
KellyAnne13 Member Posts: 63
edited October 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone out there had reconstruction with a tissue expander and implant AFTER radiation? After my double mastectomy I was scheduled for immediate reconstruction but due to complications was unable to have the tissue expander placed on one side. With raidiation coming up quickly there is no time to reconstruct and I now have to wait until after.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • macb04
    macb04 Member Posts: 1,433
    edited October 2015

    Hi, had TE's after rad. Got them placed over my pectorals. Now not too bad symmetry with implanton Leftand breast lift Right. Too tired tonight to write the whole thingout again, but look me up and lookat my latest posting for details.


    Good luck

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phoebe58
    phoebe58 Member Posts: 193
    edited October 2015

    hi KellyAnne - sorry for all your issues :( and best of luck sorting it all out.

    I had my surgery in Vancouver too in late August, though I did immediate diep. I am contemplating rads now [originally in that gray zone so went ahead with surgery first......hoping not to. I get it with wanting to be symmetrical, and you saying not enough for own tissue to do a double. Just wanted to pass on there is an upcoming conference you might find helpful to get you some answers. It's at VGH Lecture hall Oct 27 Tues 530 called BRA day - 3 PS [Macadam [mine], Lennox, and Bovill] will be discussing various recon options of all types, and then have a Q and A from the audience, etc. If that works for you, you can check it out or register online at www.bra-day.com -- it seems there are events all over, so go to Vancouver.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KellyAnne13
    KellyAnne13 Member Posts: 63
    edited October 2015

    Thanks Phoebe58,

    I am actually already going to that conference. My plastic surgeon is Dr. Lennox. Despite the complications I am very confident in him. I work in healthcare and these things happen. He made all the right decisions at the time.

    I hear you on radiation! In my case it will give me a 1% greater survival rate, if that. An agonizing decision. My radiation oncologist (Dr. Voduc) and my oncologist helped me a lot. They told me to put everything else aside (timing, reconstruction, etc) and ask myself if I would be comfortable living with that 1% chance. That did it for me. Nope, I am not. When I started this I vowed I would do everything possible to avoid a recurrence. I don't want any regrets down the road should it ever come back!

    Kelly


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories