Breast surgery after radiotherapy

[Titch22]

Has anyone had surgery after having radiotherapy on their breast. I am faced with this dilemma so am interested to find out how things went, did you heal ok. Good/bad results cosmetically? Any problems. Anything else you can share would be most helpful. Many thanks

[beachlake]

Hello, I am sorry that you are going through this difficult time. Please keep in mind that my experience will not be my experience. I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy in 2006. I noticed, as well as my physical therapist, that the area of the original lumpectomy continued to tighten over time. I did not know nor was I told to keep working on the radiated skin to prevent the tightening. After a few years, my lymphedema PT suggested that I try to keep the area supple and work the scar to prevent it from distorting and pulling. We used a laser therapy at times to help loosen ti up. All of that helped immensely. I was diagnosed again with breast cancer in August 2020. I had another lumpectomy, followed by a mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction (3 surgeries this past fall). During the consult with the reconstruction surgeon, he and his assistant strongly indicated that the radiated tissue will react differently than non-radiated tissue. It is thinner and not as supple. They said that this was due to the previous radiation that I had. Due to this, they were strongly opposed to an implant reconstruction for me. This is also because of how much time had passed since the original radiation and how my skin had reacted. Currently, I have PT once a week at the clinic and daily on my own to keep the scar tissue and radiated tissue supple to prevent adhesions, etc. Please keep in mind that we all heal differently, that not all radiotherapy is the same. My radiated skin does respond positively to the PT (simple stretches and gentle manipulation). So, I have heard of many who have had surgery post radiation. It is not abnormal to do so. I think that no matter what, you will need to make sure to take care of your skin. Also, I have heard from ladies who have had recent radiation, that they are prescribed a lotion/moisturizer that helps the skin recover better. This was not around or offered to me in 2006. My experience will not be your experience. I have read stories from other ladies who had radiation with surgery afterwards, and have no issues whatsover. Just keep asking questions to get more information if you feel the need. I wish you all the best. Take care of yourself.