11-18-2006, 01:39 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 159
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Need advice on reconstruction after radiation
I think I have decided to schedule reconstruction of my left breast. I am too slender to take tissue from any other body areas, so I will be using an expander. I won't have too far to stretch to match the other side; they will be putting a lift of some sort on the remaining breast to make them (somewhat) match.
I had 30 radiation treatments to my chest wall, axillary area, super clav and the incision (of course)--pretty wide area. I am worried about my skin's ability to stretch. My left side is pretty much skin over ribs right now, and sometimes my ribs hurt because there isn't any padding there to protect them!
Any of you undergo reconstruction after a similar radiation experience? Or any of the rest of you have advice?
thanks!!
Val
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http://valleygirlvnp.blogspot.com/
Dx 11/04, Age 42, ER-/PR-, HER2+++
3 months weekly Herceptin, Taxol. Carboplatin
Significant tumor shrinkage
Mastectomy 3/05; Stage 3b, 9 cm tumor, 5/8+ nodes
3 more months weekly Herceptin, Taxol. Carboplatin
7/05 30 radiation treatments, IMRT planning approach
Started 1 year of Herceptin 9/05
9/06 Began quarterly triple doses Herceptin. Brain & breast MRIs semi annually.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
6/08 Right breast, intraductal carcinoma, high nuclear grade associated with comedo necrosis; extensive diffusely involved the entire biopy specimen. ER+, PR-, Her2 unknown at this point, 07/08 mastectomy.
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