Radiotherapy Treatment after implant reconstruction

Hi SonrisaI found some information on the MacMillan website which says 'If you had breast reconstruction, using an implant before radiotherapy, you may need to have the implant replaced.' 

Like most things there is no definite answer it could be yes or it could be no.  Ask your medical team what you should look out for as an indication that the implant would need to be replaced.  They are also the best people to ask about whether and how likely it is to need replacing.  I don't know much about implants but if there are different types then that might be a factor.  Although in cases of breast cancer you would imagine they would give you the type less likely to be affected by radiotherapy incase of situations like yours.

Sorry I can't be more helpful but by responding to you I will have bumped you back up to the top of the list where someone who has been in your situation might see it this time and respond to you.

Wishing you all the best and hopefully radiotherapy doesn't impact your implant. x

Hii am looking at another surgery because they did not get clear margins. I am looking at masectomy with immediate reconstruction. How large was your areas pls as I am hoping I will not need radiotherapy. Best wishes xxx

Thank you so much for your response Godwilling 

Hi Shaz52, the tumor measured 50mm, larger than previously expected. Oncologist said radiotherapy is standard treatment for tumors that are 50mm or larger. hope all goes well with you xx

Thank you, I had 2 small areas totalling 21mm so hoping I wont need radiotherapy. Just deciding what reconstruction to have. Are you find implant okay. Best wishes xxx

I decided on the implant over DIEP surgery mainly due to the significantly less surgery and recovery time. I had an appointment with both my breast surgeon who does the implant surgery and the plastic surgeon who would've done the DIEP surgery separately where they went over everything in detail. It is so difficult to make that decision still but that did help me.  I would suggest that if you haven't done that already.  Of course if we would've known I would need the RT, I would've gone the other way. I had my surgery little over 2 months ago now and finished my RT just last week. So I honestly was just getting used to the implant when I had to do the RT so let's see if there is any adverse effects to my implant in the next few days/weeks/months. 

Yeah hopefully you won't need the radiotherapy, Good luck xx

Thank you for that, I am awaiting an appointment with my plastics consultant who will discuss the different reconstructions and then I will make my decision.  Yh I an thinking about the less surgery involved and recovery time.  You have been really helpful thank you so much.  Best wishes xxx

How is your skin after the radiotherapy ? You are about the same stage as me. My pink patch is getting redder by the day despite moisturising frequently. 

Yes the skin on the treated area has definitely gotten redder now. I was told by the therapist that might happen after the treatment is finished. I also have razor bumps like spots/almost looks like black heads all over that area now. Not sure if you're finding that too? I guess we keep moisturising frequently and give it time. 

It's sort of soothing to know I'm not the only one. I put such a lot of Aveeno on last night, it was so itchy, but a bit less red and itchy today. Thought it was going to break out into blisters.