mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Is this possible before radiation.

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1

I am on my 2nd FEC and have 4 more chemo to go but need to get more info on full mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Is this possible before radiation.

Some discussion suggest that recon is done only after radiation while others have done an immediate recon with full mastectomy.

Advise please.

from Sari in Oxford
ps anyone in oxford who has done a full mastectomy and immediate reconstruction? Whose your surgeon?

2

I had full mastectomy and immediate reconstruction twice. Doctors tend to avoid doing an immediate recon if they think you might need radiotherapy because the radiotherapy can damage the recon. HOwever, I had to have radiotherapy to my recon and it was fine.

Deirdre

3

Hi Sara,
I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction at the end of July. I am now having rads and am on number 21 out of 28 with no probs so far (touch wood)
Katyx

4

Thanks Deirdre and lily0 for sharing your experiences. I’m glad to know it is possible.

5

Hi . I have been told not a good idea to have recon before rads. The surgeon said they couldput expanders in at the time of mastectomy which will save skin for recon, tho i have decided not to go for this - just personal choice! Hope all goes well for you

6

Hi Sari

I’m Oxfordshire and due my recon December (2 years after mastectomy), I was not offered immed recon just emergency mastectomy however I know they do in some cases, my PS based at JR will not operate until at least 12 months clear of rads due to possible damage.

Debbie

7

Hi Sari

i had my last chemo just over a week ago and am due to have bilateral mastectomy on 8th Nov with immediate recon using stretchers. I will then be having 6 weeks of radiotherapy. My PS told me that there can be problems with hardening but on the info she gave me i am going ahead with this.

Hope your chemo is going ok for you

Take care
Karen xx