Radiation and Expanders

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christiekoe
christiekoe Member Posts: 16
edited October 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I should be starting radiation soon. I have already gone and had a ct for staging but my radiation dr. needed my plastic surgeon to remove all the fluid from my right expander so that she is able to get the angles right and precise. My left side will be radiated but she said sometimes she needs the fluid out of the opposite side for the geometry purposes. Has anyone else had this done? I was a little emotional after he took the fluid out because of how awful it looks. I know it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things as it's only temporary and getting the precise location for the beam is the most important thing. Thanks for any info. you have.

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  • lg10
    lg10 Member Posts: 71
    edited September 2018

    Hi Christie. I had a unilateral mastectomy so I didn't have this exact situation, but I was over-expanded before radiation so I am very uneven. I found that larger, button down shirts are the way to go. I am almost done with my 33 rads and can no longer wear a bra so I just wear a cami and a loose button down and go to work. I will sometimes add a cardigan. Hang in there! You'll get to the other side!!

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  • Lucyred
    Lucyred Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2018

    I was told this during one of my appts with the RO as well. Like you said, it all depends on the angles they need. I am hoping that I don’t have to have it done but will know soon.

    Hope you are doing better

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  • Sunshine-Lady
    Sunshine-Lady Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2018

    I started radiation on the 2nd and was told this too and had my right side deflated only to have it filled back up with seroma (I had an infection on the opposite side). So when I went in for the scans to get set up for radiation to see if they had the proper angles they did. My PS said that my right side probably had 380ccs worth of fluid and my left side (the side getting rads) has 450.

    Ultimately, I got the rt TE out b/c the infection wasn’t resolving. So, I feel you. I’m pretty sensitive about how it looks and can’t wear a bra to put in prosthetic b/c of the recent surgery. They warn you about the emotions after a mastectomy but not about having one side deflated. I feel like it has been more difficult for me emotionally.

    But, “ it’s just temporary” is my new mantra. Best wishes all

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  • christiekoe
    christiekoe Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2018

    Thank you for your responses! I guess nothing about this battle is ever easy. With the breast cancer being left sided, and the way my heart sits so close to my chest wall, my RO made the recommendation that I have proton radiation done. Last Monday, I had to travel up to Chicago for the planning. Now I am waiting once again for a start date. The silver lining is that my expander that was deflated gets to have fluid put back in again before I start. Best wishes and prayers for you all too!

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