Hi. I was wondering if there was anyone out there who is having, or has had radiotherapy after having had reconstruction? I have been advised to have the rads as i had a large DCIS with 4mm micro invasion.I’m really worried that this will ruin my implant.
Hi Debsm,
I have just completed 25 rads at the end of October.I had a mastectomy and LD recon with implant in July 2008.Unfortunately another lump was found in July this year so I had WLE and then the rads.
I too was/am worried about my implant but so far it seems fine ,but I am not sure when any damage would show up.
They did my rads over 5 weeks instead of 3 or 4 to try and reduce the risk.
Recent research has shown that patients with mastectomies do benefit from rads so I felt it was worth the risk to increase my chances.
Good luck,
Dot
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Hi Debsm and Dot,
I have just finished 3 weeks of rads on my recon. I had mx with immediate LD recon for 7cm high grade DCIS with 4 areas of invasion, ranging from 2.6cm to 3mm. Like you, I was very worried about my implant (Dot you may remember my angst about it before I finally agreed to the treatment)Like Dot, my recon seems fine at the moment but my ps says the problems are likely to occur later.
Wish I could offer more support. It sounds melodramatic now, but I really felt like i was losing my breast again when my dr recommended rads, because of the risk of damage to the implant. I agreed to the treatment to try to limit the risk of reoccurence and once I had made the decision I felt much calmer. While I hate the idea of having to have another op to replace the implant, I hate the idea of the cancer returning even more. How are you feeing?
Good luck and a big hug. Sue
Hi Dot and Sue. Thanks for replying.I’ve calmed down a little now and have gradually come to terms with the fact that i need rads.I know it is the best thing for me and have just got to get on with it! I haven’t seen my rads cons yet to determine when my treatment starts and for how long. I’m seeing her on Thurs. I’ve read the NICE guide lines on when treatment should ideally start,up to 31 days after op.I’m at that point now. How long after surgery did you both begin your rads? Are you breasts still looking ok?
Deb x
Hi deb,
I was the same as you,I was adamant that I didn’t want rads but by the time I saw the Onc I had changed my mind.I think its good to come to that decision rather thn feel pressured in to it.
Mine started 22nd Sept ,about 5 and a half weeks after my WLE.The norm seems to be 4-8 weeks.
Because of my previous mastectomy I was give a “Bolus” during treatment which is just a gel sheet that is laid over your breast.It increases the dose to the skin.
I suffered with burned skin by the end of rads and for about 2 weeks after and I think this was the reason.BUT my skin and breast are fine now.Its just a process the skin has to go through.Best to be prepared.
No signs of damage to implant but I suppose it may not show up right away.
Good luck,its worth giving the wee blighters a good old blast of rads!
Love
Dot
x