Mastectomy after radiation - healing issues?
Hi there! New to the forum. Was diagnosed with DCIS a year ago and had 2 lumpectomy surgeries (to get good margins) plus radiation. Now a year later, they have found Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia in my other breast. Looking at another surgery, possibly more?, heightened screening and probably medication for estrogen supression. I am 55, pre-menopausal and have dense breasts with some family cancer history but would probably not be considered high risk. I am contemplating a bilateral prophylactic masctecomy. I have heard that healing may be problematic if radiation has already been used (although my dose would be considered short course). Curious what others have experienced with respect to healing and recovery after radiation?
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@hipstergirl I've had two surgeries (reconstruction) after radiation and funny enough (not really), my radiated side, on both occasions, healed much quicker and so much better than the non-radiated side.
Hopefully, others will chime in and give you their experience.
I hope everything works out in your favor!
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I had a mastectomy 8 years after radiation and it healed quickly without issue. When I needed to do the other unradiated side more recently, healing took a lot longer.
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Thanks for that feedback! Sounds like I shouldn't be worried. About that anyway!
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just had mastectomy eight years after radiation and it will be five weeks post op on Monday and still is not healing. I’ve contacted my doctor several times and he said it will heal. Keep it clean and keep it dry. No ointment, nothing. He said the blood supply isn’t there and the damage from the radiation is why tissue is having a hard time healing. I’m ready for a 2nd opinion.
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Welcome to the community, @sandraellis237! We're so sorry to hear about your healing issues, bu glad you found us. Here's an article about When to Get a Second Opinion that might give you some helpful tips as you wait for other member's responses and look into other options.
We hope this helps. We're here to support you and we’re all wishing you the best in finding the answers you need.
Sincerely,
The Mods
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