Hi I was told I would having a lumpectomy but now after my MRI scan (I have had 5 months of Chemotherapy) its been decided that I need a mastectomy.
This new decision has been a bit of shock but I am being offered a silcone breast reconstruction at the same time. Which I am confused about having done as I will need Radiotherapy after my mastectomy.
I have been told this means that the implant will get ruined and I will need surgery again. So I am thinking then whats the point into rushing into this as I have only been given 1 week to decide.
I feel like I am being pushed into a corner by my surgeon and nurse into getting this done.
Has anyone recently been through this? And what are your thoughts of getting a breast implant done first? Then getting another reconstruction done after Radiotherapy?
Can anyone tell me of their experience of this please, I am very confused and anxious now as I need to make my decision soon.
I totally get how you are feeling. There seem to be all kinds of decisions to make, not much time to make them and confusing info. So I’ll tell you a bit about my story and hope that helps a bit.
I had a mastectomy and node clearance last May, and an immediate recon using a pre-pectoral silicone implant. I had chemo before surgery and radiotherapy after. This implant goes in front of the chest muscle rather than underneath and is supported in a mesh, think it’s called Braxon. There is a risk to the implant if you are having radiotherapy afterwards because it can cause capsular contracture, so some surgeons won’t do implants before radiotherapy. My plastic surgeon discussed the risks with me and we decided to go ahead because this type of implant I believe carries a smaller risk. Touch wood so far mine has been fine and I haven’t needed more surgery.
You are raising very good questions and your team should be able to answer your concerns and explain the risks. Please feel free to ask me any further questions on here or via private message if that helps.
I wish you all the very best with whatever decision you make.