How long after rads did you have your exchange?

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LeesaD
LeesaD Member Posts: 383
edited November 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

I had BMX with tissue expander placement on March 27th. Had chemo and then radiation with radiation completed first week of Sept. My skin handled radiation very well and from the outside all looks good. I'm meeting with my plastic surgeon on Tuesday to discuss timing of exchange. Originally he had said 4-6 months post radiation and that he always is cautious so think closer to 6 months. I've about had it with these expanders and if I would've known how uncomfortable they are I would never have had them put in. I would like sooner rather than later also because my insurance starts from square one again Feb 1 and I'd like to avoid the high out of pocket again right away. What have been your experiences with timing post rads? Anyone do 3-4 months after rads andhow did it go? I'm even thinking if he won't do it sooner I'd just like to have them removed. That's how much I can't stand them. Thank You for your input.

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  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited November 2017

    LeesaD-

    I know the feeling of those god awful turtle shells...I can honestly say I don’t miss them at all and agree totally that if I had known how uncomfortable they were I prob would’ve rethought my decision. Here’s a brief run down of my journey. I had a BMX April 13,2016 w TE placement, started chemo 5/23, finished chemo 10/3, started rads (right side) 10/24 and completed 28 rounds and finished 12/7. My PS said to see him 3 months after I finished rads. My skin held up really well thank you coconut oil, and I scheduled an appointment w my PS Feb 23, 2017. He looked at my skin and agreed things looked good and agreed to do my surgery March 8th the anniversary of Dx. However before I saw my PS I saw my onc and had my scan completed I told her what my plan was and she was willing to make it possible. I believe before you cam have exchange they need to clear you with a scan just in case additional treatment is needed but don’t quote me on that. My advice to you is schedule an appt with your PS 3 months post rads and see what happens. Tell him of your discomfort and maybe he will give in. I know that stretching and lymphatic massage helped to relax my muscles. Good luck and try to hang in there, I know it’s easier said then done especially when it’s cold out. Feel free to PM if needed. Sending cyber hugs

    Michelle


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  • meg2016
    meg2016 Member Posts: 287
    edited November 2017

    My plastic surgeon is extremely conservative and has very good outcomes with radiated reconstruction. She wouldn't consider anything less than six months even though my skin was in great condition. About a month before the six month point I decided to push exchange surgery even longer for my own reasons. My PS said waiting a little longer just improves skin integrity. So I ended up having my expanders in about a year. After the four-five month point, the discomfort was much less and they felt more "normal". I'm of course thrilled to have them out now, but don't regret waiting.

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  • Alirena
    Alirena Member Posts: 82
    edited November 2017

    My plastic surgeon had me wait 6 months after radiation was completed before he exchanged the expanders for permanent implants.

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  • LeesaD
    LeesaD Member Posts: 383
    edited November 2017
    Thank You for your responses and insight!
    i do appreciate it! I'm meeting with plastic surgeon tmrw to discuss timing and I'm two and a half months out from my last radiation. From what you've shared it looks like it'll be longer than I want. I'll see what he says. Thanks again!
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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited November 2017

    I was 1.5 years post radiation before my exchange surgery. My PS said it's not the outside skin it's the tissue on the inside that needs healing.

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