Hi there, I’m new to all this so not sure how it works but I’m looking for help. My mum has been diagnosed with breast cancer with it within the lymph nodes also, she starts her first chemo this Friday, for around 5/6 months then a mastectomy then radiation therapy. She has been asked the question if she wants breast reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy or after the radiation. She has been given mixed views from her oncologist and surgeon, so I was hoping if anyone has been in this position what they have done and felt was best to do. I appreciate any advice anyone can give us.
Dear D3Mac3
Welcome to the BCC Forum. I’m sure other members will soon be along to reply to your post. I have attached a link to our publication on Breast Reconstruction as I thought it might be helpful:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/breast_reconstruction_web.pdf
You could also contact our Helpline for practical information and emotional support. The opening times are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi
I have not been in the same situation as your mum but the issue is that the reconstruction can be affected by radiation, as it affects the breast tissue, however you have to wait several months after radiation before having any reconstruction surgery. So it is a difficult choice.
I had a wle with rads and am now having to wait until later next year before having reconstructive surgery.
Mary
I had a mastectomy 7 weeks ago and had a tissues expander put in at the time. Get your mum to ask about it. I have been going up to the hospital every two week and they put saline water in, to gentle expand the tissue. It feels a bit tight for a few days after each visit but its fine. So that bit is complete now. In a few months I will have a second op to put in a permanent implant. So far it seems to be working well and when I have a bra on with a small prosthesis in it, it’s looks fine. You still need a small prosthesis as the expand is a flat shape. I had check out about reconstruct using your own tissue but I thought this was a better option. I hope all goes well for your mum and you (it’s hard on you too). PenguinB
Thank you for your comments, it is much appreciated! We are meeting with the plastic surgeon on Monday so will ask a few questions myself then! Take care of yourselves xx
Hi there. My understanding having been through double MX with reconstruction is that radiation can mess up reconstruction as it interferes with the blood supply and can also mess up implants. I had implants at the time of surgery but now unexpectedly am proceeding with radio. It was considered that I as in was low risk for radio then implants was a sensible gamble. If it was definitely in the plan then they would have put an expander implant in and replaced this with permsnent implants post radio. This is necessary to preserve the cavity the implant is to go into so basically a partial reconstruction is advised to be completed post radio. I think this logic follows even if your mum is suited to a different type of reconstruction. Check out bcc surgery booklet…explains it all
Hi,
I had right side mx almost 3 weeks ago. I took a gamble and opted for immediate recon with a stratiss implant. This has a much lower risk of the radio sending it hard (only 20/25%) I was told. I took this because I wanted to avoid further surgery and scars if possible. As it happens I have been very lucky as there were no more tumours in the breast tissue the surgical team agreed I needn’t go through chemo and radio.
It’s a tough decision though. Good wishes to your Mum xx