Hi so i have my RT planning appointment this week. Im struggling to find any information on radiotherapy and its effects on an implant. My surgeon replaced my 21 year old implant with a new one so that it would minimise the side effects. But i havent heard any first hand experiences. Ive been told i will either have 5 high dose or 15 gentler treatments depending on the position and possible damage to the implant. Does anyone have any experience they could share please?
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@susynight not sure I’m going to be much help to you, as I haven’t come across anyone who has had radiotherapy with an implant.
However, wishing you lots luck going forward, so sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Hugs TILI 
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Thankyou for replying. I know its a bit of a longshot to find anyone. The surgeon said the new one will withstand it better than the old one but thats as much as i know really. X
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@susynight may I suggest you call your breast cancer nurse, she will have your notes to hand or call the breast cancer nurse on this site they are extremely knowledgeable, kind and understanding feel sure they will be able to point you in the right direction.
They will be available on Monday morning on 0800 800 6000.
Good luck TILI
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Hi
Ive had 15 sessions if radio.didbt choose to have the 5 intense ones because of my implant.glad i had the 15 instead my surgeon agreed with me.
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Thanks fot the reply. Were you given the choice? were the 15 definitely better for your implant?
Thanks i will ring my bcn x
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Yes i was given the choice…
The surgeon thought having the 15 sessions would be a better option.
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Hi @susynight your surgeon is the best person to discuss this with as they will be able to give you medical advice.
You’re right, there’s not a lot of info on this, but on Breast Cancer Now website there is this: “If you have a breast reconstruction using an implant, radiotherapy can cause the reconstructed breast to become firmer, change shape or become uncomfortable. You may hear this called capsular contracture.” You can find this here .
It could be worth asking your surgeon about this and what your personal risk would be?
I did consider implants, but was told by my surgeon that it was highly likely I’d need a full replacement or corrective surgery within 2-3 years after RT, but I could always go back 24 months after RT for them to assess the skin and see if an implant would be suitable or not. As you already have them, I know this isn’t super helpful sorry, but hopefully gives you an idea of what to expect when you speak to your team? Maybe ask for extra monitoring over the next few years?
Wishing you all the best!
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Hi there, I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using a silicone implant. At the time, they didn’t think I would need radiotherapy, so I chose an implant instead of an expander because I wasn’t sure what kind of reconstruction I wanted long-term. I had 15 radiotherapy sessions (I wasn’t given a choice and don’t know if they were mild). The radiotherapy has affected the implant, causing some visible retraction. This is a known risk, but it doesn’t happen to everyone. Good luck!
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Hi Susynight, I had immediate reconstruction using a silicone implant. This was the only option available to me as we were in lockdown and theatre time was at a premium.
I had 5 rounds of radio. I was told that research had shown no evidence to suggest that this was more likely to adversely affect the implant vs 15 rounds.
My implant has definitely altered, it feels tighter and sits higher. However, my surgeon feels that this is likely down to the type of implant used (it was all that was available at the time), rather than the radiotherapy…
If they are offering the choice of 5 or 15 rounds I’d suggest asking if they are aware of the research on the possible affects on an implant.
I am still glad I had 5 sessions rather than having to endure 15.
I hope your treatment goes well xx
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Thankyou thats really helpful. I hope your implant has settled down now. When i had my first one 21 years ago it took ages for me to get used to it and the pain from LD to settle. I didnt have radiotherapy the first time round. X
Thankyou thats very helpful. X
It is helpful thanks. Its just the unknown that plays on my mind. I didnt have radiotherapy on my first implant x
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Im guessing thats what they might say. At the moment ive got a problem with inflammation so not sure what they will do about that. X
Hi Susynight, it hasn’t settled down…it’s hard, tight and uncomfortable. My surgeon offered to replace it, I turned that down due to an increased risk of infection. It doesn’t really bother me enough to warrant more surgery.
Did you find the replacement surgery ok?
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Sorry you still have pain but i know what you mean. My first one took years and a lot of experimental therapies/meds before i finally had relief. That was without radiation as well. Thats why i think im being a little paranoid about this radiotherapy.
The replacement was ok but because id already had LD reconstruction with the implant, they took away the tissue supporting it. Ibe had someone called tiloop mesh put in to support the new one. Im not sure if thats why ive got inflamation now. Im back at dessings clinic before my RT planning appointment on Wednesday to see whats what! X
Of course! With everything in cancer treatment there’s a risk and we’ll never know which way it will go, but really hoping for the best outcome for you 
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I also found a lack of information and support in the same position as you. I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy over my breast with implant and lymph nodes. As for how much capsulitis there is post radiotherapy is very individual. I have had minimal thus far and I am 3 months post radiotherapy. I found washing and also moisturising heavily in Doublebase helped keep my skin in the best condition for radiotherapy. Hope this helps.
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Thankyou yes its very helpful. I guess its a bit of an unknown route forward with implants and radiotherapy. I wonder if any official research has been done. X
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