Radiation, Implant Rupture & Risk of Capsular Contracture

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mocame
mocame Member Posts: 669
edited September 2019 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am scheduled to start radiation on 10/7. When I got an MRI after my recurrence dx, it showed a small rupture in my implant that was contained within the capsule.

I am already concerned about the risk of radiation and capsular contracture but add to the fact there is a rupture of my implant and I'm very concerned. My BS, RO, and MO have made a point of trying to communicate about it with my PS. My MO is only a little concerned. My RO said she saw communication between my BS and PS and my PS isn't concerned about the ruptured implant or having radiation done to it. She said it didn't sound like anything was going to be done about my rupture implant in the near future.

Has anyone been in this type of situation with a ruptured implant and having to have radiation? If so, what were your results?

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  • Palesa2018
    Palesa2018 Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2019

    Hi mocame, sounds odd that they wouldn't be concerned about a ruptured implant! No matter how small the rupture. Have you spoken to the PS directly? While treatment trumps cosmetics, if this is going to cause you problems later they need to be clear on the plan re the implants.

    10 years on are they looking at replacing the implants?

    I did radiation with implants in last year Oct. So far so good, no capsular contracture. Nice and soft. I did take Singulair for 3 months amd research suggests that it helps prevent contracture that could come with radiation with implants. PS prescribed it.

    All the best. Sorry to hear about your recurrence. What other treatments have you had?

    All the best

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  • mocame
    mocame Member Posts: 669
    edited September 2019

    Palesa2018 - A year out of radiation and everything is fine? Great! That's encouraging. I asked my RO if there was anything I could take to try and prevent CC and she said no. Maybe I will have to contact my PS and see what he says. I have read on these boards of so many women who have used it. I have not spoken personally to my PS yet. When the rupture originally was found, I was told my PS office would contact me for a follow-up but nothing happened and he has been communicating with my doctors so I'm wondering if nothing will happen...at least right now. I have my first appt for radiation today and depending on what is said at that appt, I may get on the phone to my PS today.

    I have heard of people going up to 20 years on implants so I wasn't surprised that they haven't said anything up til now about exchanging them. Now that I know there is a rupture, I'm trying to find out their plan. It seems the treatment is being held as more of a priority but again that is a question I want to ask my PS.

    Because I had a BMX with my DCIS, there was no recommended treatment (radiation or hormone therapy) because I was told I had a 2% chance of recurrence. The side effects of treatment were greater than the % chance of getting cancer again. Well, apparently I'm the 2%.

    Thank you for your response. I'm also trying to figure out what hormone therapy to do so this has been a very busy time with a lot of information to figure out.

    Best wishes!



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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited September 2019

    mocame - I'm in your same percent. No direct answer about rads, but here's my story.

    I had BMX for DCIS in 2011. In 2013 I found a lump up by my collar bone that turned out to be a recurrence to the lymph nodes - and it had changed to IDC and HER2+. I did neo-adjuvant TCHP chemo. Unfortunately I did not have a complete response. My surgeon did an ALND and was able to work around the implant so it didn't have to come out. Then I had more chemo - AC - and moved on to rads while taking Herceptin for the rest of the year. While radiation tightened the skin and the muscles, it doesn't appear to have compromised the implant on that side.

    I'm assuming your implant is a silicone 'gummy' and that's why they're not concerned about a leak? But like you, I would be hesitant to move forward without a complete plan. Implant surgery, expansion & replacement is more difficult on radiated skin. I don't know where you are located, but maybe I would look for a second opinion at a National Cancer Center.

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  • mocame
    mocame Member Posts: 669
    edited September 2019

    MinusTwo - Actually, this is one of the best hospitals around (people drive a couple hours to have treatment here) and I went here because they are so much better than other hospitals in the area but I have found, along with other medical offices, that I need to be my own advocate.

    I had my tattoos, stickers/markings, and breathing tests today. My RO stopped in very briefly and I asked if she talked to the PS about the rupture. She hadn't. Then I talked to her nurse about hearing other people taking Singulair to try and prevent CC. She didn't know anything about it but said she would start checking around.

    I went back to my work and I got on the phone and contacted my PS office and asked to speak or leave a message for the PS or his nurse and explained my situation. His nurse called me back and was very nice, answered a couple of my questions, was going to talk to the PS about some others and was going to check into the Singulair.

    I'm glad your implant is fine. I need to hear those good experiences! Yes it is one of the gummy silicone implants and that may be why they aren't concerned but at least they could tell me that. The nurse did tell me that any implant exchange couldn't happen for at least 6 months after radiation. Finally...some information! LOL!

    Have a great night!


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  • NJmom2boys
    NJmom2boys Member Posts: 31
    edited September 2019

    Hi,
    I am exactly at the one year mark, out from radiation. I have under the muscle silicone implants. No change, no cc. I was worried about that as well. I did not take singular. I did use Calendula cream for the entire year. There is no difference comparing my left side (cancer) to my right. I didn’t have to deal with a rupture, so I can understand your apprehension. I was also at a top hospital. I felt very confident with all who were involved in my planning, but boy did I ask questions. I very much agree that you have to be your own advocate, and I think you are wise to ask all those questions.
    Best of luck,
    NJ

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  • mocame
    mocame Member Posts: 669
    edited September 2019

    NJmom2boys - That is great to hear that your implants are still fine after a year! Good idea to continue the cream for an entire year. I will definitely try that although I may be having the exchange in that timeframe too but maybe it could help keep the skin in good condition for the exchange. The RO nurse I met with yesterday was great! My RO said the only thing I can use is Aquaphor but when I asked the nurse if there were other lotions/cream to use besides Aquaphor, she was like "Oh, yeah!" and gave me more options. One of which I use at home and she said was great to use. Woohoo! So far I have loved all the surgeon/oncologist nurses. They are so friendly, enthusiastic, caring, and make me feel at ease asking any question I can think of.

    Best wishes!


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