reconstruction after lumpectomy and radiotherapy

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Following on from my earlier post a few days ago, asking about recon after lumpectomy.

Am I right in thinking that it isn’t an option once radiotherapy has been done? I wasn’t offered recon at the time of surgery or immediately after as the consultant was of the opinion it wouldnt be necessary! My bcn advised me to think about and discuss my ‘options’ once rads has finished, but i think i read somewhere that it’s too late now because my breast tissue has altered after rads?? Is an implant still an option?

HELP. I am scared I will be left looking like this.

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Hi fluffyface

Whilst your wait for the other users to reply with there advice and experiences you may find it useful to read the BCC booklet on reconstruction. As well as outlining the range of reconstruction options the booklet has information on suitability for reconstruction. If you would like a copy just follow this link:-

breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/bcc_reconstruction_final.pdf

I hope you find this helpful.

Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)

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I had a mastectomy in November 2007 and underwent reconstruction (an LD flap with an implant)over Christmas 2008, having had 25 sessions of radiotherapy which ended in early March 2008.

The rads do not appear to have altered my skin at all, may be I am just one of the lucky ones.

I saw the PS about a week ago for a routine follow-up appointment and he was pleased with the result.

Hope this helps.

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Thanks Sam and Bubs.

Bubs, I’m happy to read that your recon was a success. I think i read somewhere that if you have lumpectomy followed by rads then an implant is no longer an option because of the scar tissue inside being too hard to accommodate one. Sam, it looks like your leaflet also suggests the same and that what i am referring to is ‘capsular contracture’ - i thought this totally ruled out having an implant but maybe not?? Am i right in thinking that ‘if’ rads has caused capsular contracture then i cant have an implant??

I also read about lipofil, to help push out indented scars? Maybe I can consider this as an option, but I am fairly slim so do i put on weight so they have some fat to remove?

Sam, your leaflet mentions recon for women who have had whole or partial mastectomy - is partial mastectomy the same as a lumpectomy?

sorry if i sound confused. I’m in a bit of a panicky daze at the moment.

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Hi fluffyface

I am sure that as each day passes these wonderful surgeons are coming up with more and more techniques etc to cater for individual circumstances.

I feel fortunate to have a plastic surgeon who is both well-respected and extremely experienced in his field, which I think is essential when considering one’s options. Just keep asking questions until you are happy. A botched reconstruction after all we have been through would be an insult.

Bubs