Reconstruction options after radiation

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josalive
josalive Member Posts: 76

I have now been diagnosed with a second cancer in my breast. The first time around I did a lumpectomy with radiation and the skin on my left breast is definitely different. The new cancer is in my right breast. It’s now time to say goodbye to my breasts as they are definitely trying to kill me. Has anyone done a mastectomy with reconstruction after radiation? Which reconstruction option did you choose and were you happy with the results?

Thanks for your help.

Comments

  • Anotherone
    Anotherone Member Posts: 633
    edited August 2019

    I have done expander placement and implant reconstruction. But then my skin felt the same in texture, just a bit different colour after radiation. And it is probably between A and B cup size. And it is hard, ie does not feel like my other breast. But I was exceedingly happy with it as it has given me breast without any further morbidity ( cutting my back or stomach - I have no fat to speak of and my latissimus dorsi muscles are my pride) which keeping in mind my job and hobbies are heavily reliant on using my arms is important. It has served me well for 10 years ( touch wood).

  • Belinda977
    Belinda977 Member Posts: 381
    edited August 2019

    I am facing this as well. Had IDC in Left in 2012. Lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen. Now DCIS in right. Electing DMX with implants.

  • hodgepodge
    hodgepodge Member Posts: 92
    edited August 2019

    I had a lumpectomy and 7 weeks of radiation in 2005. My "cancer" breast was much smaller. I had some superficial burns and the muscle was VERY tight. Over the years the texture of the skin and coloration returned to almost completely normal. At the time of the initial diagnosis I was a 34 DD. After the lumpectomy and radiation my cancer breast was a C and the non-radiated breast grew! Over time with some weight gain my non-cancer breast was a very large F. When diagnosed with a second cancer in the same breast I opted for a bilateral mastectomy. I had tissue expanders placed under the pec muscle and they used alloderm on the radiated side because the skin was thin. I am 6 weeks out from my last fill and almost ready for the exchange. Knock-on-wood, so far, everything has healed well. The radiated breast definitely feels firmer and looks kind of fibrous and shaped a little wonky (kind of like a football) but overall decent. Hoping all goes well at the exchange. I am SO ready. These expanders are hell for me.

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