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jaykay · 07-13-2013, 06:08 AM

I had a bilateral mx with tissue expanders before I knew I would need radiation. Expansion was complete before my first chemo (c cup sizing). My ps was not concerned about the effects of radiation, said we would deal with it when we did the exchange.

Finished rads May 22 and have an appt with ps next month to get a ballpark as to when I can do the final exchange (skin needs to heal from radiation). Radiated breast is still a bit swollen.

I absolutely did not want extensive surgery for reconstruction, no tram or diep. Silicon is fine with me. The expanders feel like bowling balls on your chest but mainly discomfort, not really pain. Can't wait to get rid of them:-). They look fine in clothes and really not too bad without.

Best,

Janis

07-13-2013, 06:08 AM	#7
jaykay Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 645	Re: Need Reconstruction Advice I had a bilateral mx with tissue expanders before I knew I would need radiation. Expansion was complete before my first chemo (c cup sizing). My ps was not concerned about the effects of radiation, said we would deal with it when we did the exchange. Finished rads May 22 and have an appt with ps next month to get a ballpark as to when I can do the final exchange (skin needs to heal from radiation). Radiated breast is still a bit swollen. I absolutely did not want extensive surgery for reconstruction, no tram or diep. Silicon is fine with me. The expanders feel like bowling balls on your chest but mainly discomfort, not really pain. Can't wait to get rid of them:-). They look fine in clothes and really not too bad without. Best, Janis __________________ March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010) Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70% BRCA 1 and 2 negative October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks. March 14, 2013: Finished chemo April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x May 22, 2013: Finished rads June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs. July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin December 5, 2013: Port removed Glad this year is over!