Morning guys,
I’m 35 and recently been diagnosed with DCIS. I’ve been told I have to have a mastectomy but the lump is over 10cm big so they can’t confirm that they will be able to remove it all if I have a reconstruction.
After much thought I’ve decided to go for the reconstruction anyway which I know will likely lead to radiotherapy.
Has anyone had radiotherapy post reconstruction? Did you have any issues? Also what is radiotherapy like?
Thank you
HI (I think your user name has become your title of the thread -if you can work out how to change it - I've never tried changing mine, sorry)
Sorry that you have to find yourself here - and so young too..
I haven't had a mastectomy, so can't answer your question re any possible issues but I did have 15 sessions of radiotherapy in 2017, following a lumpectomy. Radiotherapy is ok - the hard work is done by the team getting you into the correct position for the radiotherapy beams and it literally is a very short time when the beams are actually on you. I had it in 3 areas and each time it beeped I knew it was 'on' and then it would beep off so I could wiggle my fingers etc to keep the blood moving until it beeped again. They have your arms above your head. I think if I remember rightly it would take about 15 minutes from getting in the room before I was out again each session.
There is a risk of radiotherapy burns over a period of time through the treatment (although I think now a lot of people are having 5 intense sessions instead of the former 3 weeks of 15 sessions) but creams and drinking plenty of fluids help this and any potential fatigue issues.
Hopefully someone who's had a reconstruction and radio. will be able to give you a little more advice.
Best wishes, Lesley
