Does anyone have implants?

butterflylvr said:

Hi,
I personally didn't have implants prior to radiation therapy but I did have tissue expanders inflated and in place. I didn't have any issues as my plastic surgeon placed them in a position where they were out of my radiation field. Now with that said, I also have a friend that had to have one of her tissue expanders deflated to allow the radiation oncologist to angle the beam to get her projected area without touching her lung underneath. So a lot will depend on your films that your radiation oncologist aligns for you.

Also when I was going through my radiation another girl who I met here on this board had already had her implants in place. She didn't have any trouble. I am assuming you have silicone implants and not saline? Saline at a time like this would have been easily deflated to allow access if needed. But think positive you could be one of the 50 percent.

Good luck ♥
Lorrie

Different Ballgame said:

Down the road, it will have an effect
Did not have radiation after mastectomies and breast reconstruction. Very rare to get recurrence on scar 3 years later. Then had radiation. The first year following radiation, the breast was perfect. Into the second year, scar tissue has developed within the breast, but it has not affected the implant. So...the breast does not feel as soft and supple as it did with the implants prior to radiation. It feels firmer inside the breast.

I asked my plastic surgeon if it makes a difference as to when you have breast reconstruction and radiation is required. He said, "No, it does not matter before or after radiation. Your tissue inside your breast will change."

I have talked to women who have had lumpectomies and radiation, and they say that their breast feels great inside. I specifically asked if their breast was firmer. They said that it felt the same as it did prior to radiation.

I guess it depends on the individual and the skill of your radiation doctor.

Lots of Hugs,
Janelle