CLL & Mastectomy / Implants: I'm wondering if... - CLL Support

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CLL & Mastectomy / Implants

Amberesque profile image
6 Replies

I'm wondering if anyone here with CLL/SLL has undergone a breast reduction or mastectomy since diagnosis.

If so, were you on treatment or WW at time of surgery?

If you were on treatment, did you have to stop for surgery?

How was your healing?

If you had a mastectomy, did you get implants after?

If so, do you think the implants have caused any issues with your CLL/SLL?

Many thanks in advance to anyone who responds!

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Amberesque profile image
Amberesque
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6 Replies
Panz profile image
Panz

I had a dear family friend I. Her 40’s who had a double and implants…she was a very active gal in great shape. She fought infections from the very beginning and 5 years later decided to have the implants replaced with a different kind and she still fought infection and had decided to just have hem removed but before she could do that she died from sepsis. With CLL your immune system is compromised to just what degree there is no way to predict just how much it will be and thus I would not want to chance. As I stated this is just my feelings

I hope you talk it over with your CLL doctor and I am sure they will pull you off medications. Allthe best in which way to go on this. This is not a pleasant place to be for sure!!

Panz 🙏🙂💕☘️🌈

CycleWonder profile image
CycleWonder

I had a friend who did not have CLL who had breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and implants put in. She planned to have her nipples reattached but was never able to due to serial infections. I helped her with the drain that was installed after surgery (her husband was useless). I went to training.

I could imagine having the mastectomy and after treatment for CLL, attempting the replacement surgery. But after what my friend went through, I would not recommend that while being treated for CLL.

I hope you and your medical team find a path forward that you are comfortable with.

MICHPR profile image
MICHPR

Hi. I have CLL and 16 mths after chemo treatment and in remission back in 2017 I discovered I had breast cancer in my left breast. I had a mastectomy just on that side and no implant. The cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes so I only needed to go on Anastrazole - no chemo or radiation needed. I had no side effects from the op and healed really well. My CLL returned in 2021 so now I am on Venetoclax. So far no other issues with breast cancer- I have yearly check ups.

oscarsachi profile image
oscarsachi

Good morning I am currently on w & w and was diagnosed with breast cancer Paget’s disease 2020. So I had a mastectomy to my right breast. It was during covid and extremely scary. 2021 I had my left breast removed and reconstruction surgery to both breasts, with implants. Eleven months on I feel great! The care from my breast surgeon and all her wonderful caring team were and are amazing. I really went through the mill physically and mentally. I have had other CLL issues but no treatment thankfully. I am slim petite frame and to be able to wear a bra, gives me confidence in my clothes. I am happy that I chose to have reconstruction surgery with implants. I am happy to answer you if you have any questions you have.

Warm regards

Suzanne

Rebuild_4 profile image
Rebuild_4

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using silicone implants. In 2016 I was diagnosed with CLL and continue on the steady climb in numbers but on W&W. 5 days ago I had my implants out with an aesthetically flat closure. My implants had ruptured and rather than be in a perpetual cycle of replacing implants, I chose the flat route. As a CLL patient, I can only hope that the inflammation created by the silicone will help me in CLL journey. I would urge you to do your research around implants, and reconstruction using your own tissue as well.

PANCHO17 profile image
PANCHO17

Hi,I am a male breast cancer survivor - was diagnosed with CLL in 2012 and BC in 2014. Had a left breast total mastectomy, radiation and chemo. Now 8 years on Tamoxifen. I was offered reconstruction - but had no desire for any more surgery. I'm happily BC cancer free today. I started CLL treatment ( Imbruvica) in 2018 - was treated successfully for 2&1/2 years when I was diagnosed with HPV related head and neck cancer. My team at Dana Farber took me off Imbruvica prior to my surgery and radiation treatment, as my labs showed "normal" results. I've not yet had to restart CLL treatment - as my labs are still "normal". Unfortunately the head and neck treatment slowed the cancer - but it has metastasized and I'm now on Nivo immunotherapy. As difficult as this dance with cancer has been - it was worth it!

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