What are the options for reconstructive surgery if you have had radiation treatments?

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Kylez
Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have seen a lot of you write about expanders for reconstruction, but, is that a possibility if you have had rads?


If not, what options do pink sisters have?


Thanks, Kylez

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  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #2
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    Yes, I had reconstruction
    Yes, I had reconstruction after rads. I did have to have the latissimus flap surgery to that breast. That's where they move the latissimus muscle from your back and tunnel it under the skin to the breast and it is placed between the expander (ultimately the implant) and the breast skin. I believe that some of the other flap surgeries are also able to be done on a radiated breast. I'll let those ladies chime in here.
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #3
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    For me- not an option til a year after surgery.
    i was told that I could not think about reconstruction until a year after surgery due to being IBC, extent of area involved and rads. That the rads would 'mess up' any reconstruction done and that there could be some 'hiding' cells that might not show up behind the reconstruction until it got quite large. Not quite the scientific explaination that I got from all my Drs but as I understand it.

    As bad as I burned, am really glad I hadn't had anything done, also with all the lymphedema problems not just hand/arm but on body/chest. My PA is putting in for an Appt. with the plastic surgeon at the Minn. VA, so when I see her I'll find out if it is an option for me or not. I haven't seen any of the surgeon's reconstruction but I did see some of her reduction surgery on a friend and she did a fantastic job.

    Don't really know rather or not (if it is doabe) rather or not I want to do it - first I need to find out if possible - then I'll decide.

    Susan
  • pinkkari09
    pinkkari09 Member Posts: 877
    #4
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    Hi Kylez, I too had the
    Hi Kylez, I too had the latisimus flap surgery. My surgeon said that skin holds up better through radiation. I was able to expand to 3/4 of the way before radiation and after radiation we finished expanding and did the exchange surgery. My skin held up nicely. Best of luck to you!!
    ~Kari
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #5
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    pinkkari09 said:

    Hi Kylez, I too had the
    Hi Kylez, I too had the latisimus flap surgery. My surgeon said that skin holds up better through radiation. I was able to expand to 3/4 of the way before radiation and after radiation we finished expanding and did the exchange surgery. My skin held up nicely. Best of luck to you!!
    ~Kari

    Thanks everyone! I have
    Thanks everyone! I have already had a lumpectomy and radiation, but, wondered if bc does come back, if there was some kind of reconstructive surgery I could have, if I had to have a mastectomy.


    I remembered reading on here about someone that had rads, and then had reconstruction, but, their skin died or something? Maybe I am not remembering their circumstance exactly.


    I know I am putting the cart before the horse, but, with so many recurrences on here, I was just worried and wondering.

    Thank you,

    Kylez
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #6
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    Kylez said:

    Thanks everyone! I have
    Thanks everyone! I have already had a lumpectomy and radiation, but, wondered if bc does come back, if there was some kind of reconstructive surgery I could have, if I had to have a mastectomy.


    I remembered reading on here about someone that had rads, and then had reconstruction, but, their skin died or something? Maybe I am not remembering their circumstance exactly.


    I know I am putting the cart before the horse, but, with so many recurrences on here, I was just worried and wondering.

    Thank you,

    Kylez

    Kylez,
    I had a lumpectomy
    Kylez,

    I had a lumpectomy and radiation and then nine years later had a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP/free flap reconstruction. This is a surgery where they cut abdominal tissue and fat and make breasts out of it. The blood supply is reconnected under the arms. As you can imagine, it's a very complicated, delicate surgery, so you need a plastic surgeon who is skilled in this surgery. My results were great, and I woke up from my mastectomy with breasts which is a real blessing. The recovery period is rather long, but there's no expanding and implants to deal with.

    Joyce
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #7
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    jk1952 said:

    Kylez,
    I had a lumpectomy
    Kylez,

    I had a lumpectomy and radiation and then nine years later had a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP/free flap reconstruction. This is a surgery where they cut abdominal tissue and fat and make breasts out of it. The blood supply is reconnected under the arms. As you can imagine, it's a very complicated, delicate surgery, so you need a plastic surgeon who is skilled in this surgery. My results were great, and I woke up from my mastectomy with breasts which is a real blessing. The recovery period is rather long, but there's no expanding and implants to deal with.

    Joyce

    Thanks! I pray that I never
    Thanks! I pray that I never get bc again, but, if I do, I wanted to know what kind of reconstruction they do if you've had rads.


    Hugs to all of you,


    Kylez
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #8
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    Kylez said:

    Thanks! I pray that I never
    Thanks! I pray that I never get bc again, but, if I do, I wanted to know what kind of reconstruction they do if you've had rads.


    Hugs to all of you,


    Kylez

    Hi-
    Hi, I had a mastectomy with an expander placed Dec. 2009, Jan. 2009 port placed and chemo (6 treatments thru May), rads 5 1/2 weeks last summer, and reconstruction with silicone and port removed Dec. 10, 2010. My 36b's look better than my 17 year old!

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