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Reconstructive Surgery, Pre or Post Radiation?
I am currently in the middle of the Taxol+Herceptin (preceded by AC) part of chemo. At the time of surgery a few months ago, an expander was put in. After the Taxol, I am looking at about six weeks of radiation. My reconstructive surgeon says it might be good to do additional surgery related to the reconstruction prior to radiation (e.g. swapping out the expander and maybe something related to symmetry). Or not. He's going to check in with my primary surgeon and the oncologist so they're on the same page.
I would have thought any additional surgery would come after radiation. Are there reasons you know why it should/could be one way or the other? Any input would be helpful as I don't know how to begin to think about this.
Thanks,
Melanie
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Diagnosed: 7/13/07 (or 7/7/07)
Surgery: 8/15/07 Modified Radical One Side with Lymph Node Dissection
Pathology Report: ER/PR-, HER2+ with FISH at 8.4 copies, Grade 3, Stage IIIa, 3.2 cm tumor plus 4/19 positive lymph nodes
Portacath: 9/7/07
Chemo: 9/14/07 with AC (every three weeks) for four rounds
Physical Therapy for ROM Loss / "Cording" (but not Lymphodema)
Taxol + Herceptin weekly (started 12/2007 with 8 of 12 Taxol)
Radiation: (28 rads from 3/07 to 4/07)
Reconstruction (silicone implant)
Herceptin done (10/08)
Cognitive Remediation (11/08 - 12/08)
Lymphedema Diagnosed 5/10/10 (almost 3 years post cancer diagnosis)
Lymphedema Rehab 9/10/10 - 11/10/10
Six years NED...7/7/2013!
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