Reconstruction after radiation

Hi Lynn!
I had Chemo first to shrink down the 5cm tumor on the right breast. Then I had the mastectomy on the right side, then radiation on the scarred concaved area that used to be my breast. It looked pretty bad and I thought there was no way it would ever look somewhat normal. I guess it was probably 6 months after radiation that I had the other (good) breast removed and had reconstruction at the same time. I opted for the DIEP procedure which uses the tissue, fat and mimimal muscle to reconstruct the breasts. I later had nipple reconstruction with the aereola tatoo. It was a lot to go through but I really liked the results. Other than some darkened skin on the radiated side along with a little numbness, I'm satisfied and glad I did it. For the most part, they do look the same. I know others have had other types of reconstruction and have been pleased.

I'm sure you're doing your research and asking for feedback is always a good idea. I hope you get others sharing their opinions or experiences.

I'm glad the hardest part is behind you!

Hugs,

Sylvia

My PS fixed them both even
My PS fixed them both even though only one side was taken. We didn't want one perky new one, and one that was 44! They are not perfect, but look good under clothes, and tatoo'd the mastectomy one with a beautiful flower and hummingbird, so now no scars and they are the same size!

Best of luck,
Carol

debsweb18 said:

Carol,
What did your PS do
Carol,
What did your PS do to your "44"? I had an 18 and 58 until the lift. I have more scars on the lifted side than on the mastectomy side. My mast. was all done through the nipple with a purse string suturing. So once I have the tattoo, there won't be any visible scarring on that side. The lift was done with what they call the anchor incision. I'm sure I notice differences in shape more than anyone else. Under clothes you can't tell and people that know tell me they can't see a difference (even with low cut tops on). Would it be too much to ask for you to send me a pic of your tattoo? I'm still trying to decide between a nipple or design. I'll understand if you don't want to.

Thanks!

Yes, there were some problems.
Yes, there were some problems with reconstruction. (I did not have both breasts removed.) Mostly, it's because the radiated skin/tissue behaves in a very different manner than if it had not been radiated. It's very difficult to heal in my particular situation.

A few weeks ago my implant became contaminated so my PS said, and that it must be removed. And so it was. It was exchanged with another implant and at the 3 week checkup all was going well, the wound was a small thin hardly noticable line. The PS even removed the large purple "bruise" that I'd had ever since the expander/implant exchange about a year ago. It took up about a quadrant of the breast and wasn't actually a true bruise. It was just that my skin was so thin that the tiny veins made it look like one.

Anyhoo, after previous surgeries my PS always told me to massage the area to break up any collagen and capsular contracture, this time too. And so I did. My bad. I managed to rip open the wound about a third of the way. It's been, oh, i dunno 9 weeks or so now the wound has been open. I've had stitches for about 3 weeks now and before that it was staple and before that it was steri-strips (packing tape for people) and before that it was dermabond (superglue for people). And, still the wound is open. My PS is now on leave for the next month.

The complications are a direct cause of the area being radiated. I don't mean to scare you off. I tend to view my situation as a temporary one that will eventually be settled. It's just taking a bit longer than most. I think you should absolutely go for it. I would do it all over again! Of course, everyone is different - your mileage may vary!!!

(((Hugs)))