Radiation with Tissue Expanders

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momof2winsplus
momof2winsplus Member Posts: 21
edited August 2020 in Breast Reconstruction

I started radiation 7 weeks after bilateral mastectomy with TE placement. They had been filled to 500cc out of 600cc, so almost full. Them Radiation Oncologist made them empty the left breast (removed all 500!) to get to my right chest wall. So I have no ability to compare sides, but 2 weeks into radiation, I feel like my expander is changing. My scar has not healed as well on radiated side. The skin on my breastis getting wrinkly, and I had 2 days where I was getting poked quite painfully at the base of my breast - probably from a suture tab. We are in Shelter in Place mode, so PS is closed right now.

I don’t really know what to look for. What is normal radiation issue vs failing implant. When to worry vs. just sucking it up?

I will see RO on Tuesday and see if he can take a look, but don’t know what he could do if there is a problem.

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  • Longtails
    Longtails Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2020

    Hello, how are things now? Have you been able to see your PS?

    Like you I had to have the non-cancer side TE deflated prior to radiation. 2 weeks post radiation, I had the non-cancer TE filled to 110cc's less than the cancer side. Didn't have any issues with the expander during radiation however a month now post radiation the radiated side has contracted significantly and is smaller than the other. My PS is having me massage the affected expander and will attempt to refill later. He didn't have much else to say though. Going to see the OT for massage techniques.

    I'm having a second opinion with a PS friend later this month to see if he has any insight.

    Have any of you had similar experiences and had a successful implant reconstruction?

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