Radiotherapy

Hi Mist12,

im in a similar position, I’m seeing the radiotherapy consultant this afternoon to find out my radiotherapy plan.  I know a lot of people do have reconstruction before radiotherapy, so I don’t know why you weren’t offered.   I had a temporary reconstruction for a number of reasons, one of which was the radiotherapy but there were other reasons as well. My surgeon has said he wants to wait at least six months after the radiotherapy to do the reconstruction. Not sure if that’s universal but gives you an idea of timescale.

xx

I just have no idea. The tumour was originally estimated at 10.8 cm. It was 6.8cm.  Not sure if that was why. 

I think that the consultant might have been concerned that the radiotherapy would cause a change in shape to your reconstruction or can cause issues with an implant. I know that during the pandemic, women were not being offered reconstruction at the time of initial breast cancer surgery but that has changed in the last year.

I had a big tumour too and was advised against immediate reconstruction but could have had a tissue expander. You can ask to be referred to see the plastic surgery team now regarding reconstruction so that you can join their waiting list sooner. I have recently had radiotherapy to my chest wall and armpit and have asked to be referred to see the plastic surgery team.

Thank you for replying. I think I was in too much of a state of shock to ask the right questions. 

It is too hard to think of questions on your feet and then once the appointment has passed it seems too late to ask. I hope you can be referred on now for your plastic surgery initial consultation to talk about your options.