Reconstruction

  • 2 replies
  • 273 subscribers
  • 102 views

Hi. I was told I could not have reconstruction for 12-18 months from the date of end of treatment. 

I thought this was excessive but the breast care nurse said this is because radiotherapy continues to still work for up to 12 months after it has finished. 

Did anyone else get told this and did reconstruction go ok after this length of time? I had mastectomy and due to brca2 they have agreed to remove my other one after chemotherapy but I am wondering whether I will have a case for immediate reconstruction then with tissue expanders. Did anyone else have this? Otherwise it will be looking like I will be completely flat for a long period of time. 

  • Hello

    I had a single masectomy, just finished chemotherapy, next radiotherapy. 

    I have a chest expander currently which will be replaced with a different implant,  but my surgeon said not for 9-12mths time, again because of the radiotherapy  treatment. 

    It is a bit annoying for me as I have 2 boobs that currently do not match in shape or size, but its one of those things that I just have to put up with for a while.

  • I found out about my brca1 mutation just after I had completed radiotherapy. I was advised to wait 12 months before opting for a mastectomy because of the radiotherapy effects. So I waited a year and then did had both breasts removed and opted to go without reconstruction. I was eligible to take olaparib during this year, so it helped to reduce my fear of recurrence or a new cancer developing during that time. Could it be an option that you wait to remove your other breast until they both can be reconstructed at the same time?