Reconstruction opt-implants prior to diagnosis,2019 lumpectomy and radiation, new second cancer

kayjgood

I haven't been able to find a case like mine so hoping I find someone here.

In 2018 I had breast augmentation. Then in 2019 I had HER2 positive cancer, chemo, lumpectomy and radiation. Had pretty bad capsular contracture so underwent 3 revision surgeries over 3 years and was pretty happy with the results.

Fast forward to last week and I have DCIS non invasive Stage 0, estrogen and progesterone positive.

My mind is reeling a bit. I don't see my oncologist or surgeon for another week but I've been diving into research to see what my options may be. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but it breaks my heart having to potentially lose the breasts I put so much time and effort into saving. Vain I know but it's how I feel.

I think a mastectomy with reconstruction is my best option. I'm sure after I meet with my cancer surgeon I'll meet with a reconstructive PS but would love to know if anyone here had a similar situation and what you ended up doing, and if you have any advice or regrets.

Thanks in advance all,

Kaylie

moderators

Hi Kaylie, @kayjgood! Welcome, and thank you so much for sharing your story. We're really sorry you haven’t received any responses yet. Sometimes it just takes a little while for the right person to see the post. In the meantime, we want you to know that you're not alone here and wanted to share the following section on https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types on our main site that may be helpful as you prepare for your upcoming appointments.

We’re thinking of you and hope you’ll find support and insights from others who can relate. Please keep us posted on how you're doing. We're here for you!

The Mods

dutchiegirl

Hi Kaylie! My situation is somewhat similar to yours. I had breast implant surgery in 1997, and in 2018 was diagnosed with BC. I opted for a double mastectomy and my surgical oncologist recommended that I leave the implants in. I agreed but, unfortunately, I really didn't like the way they looked. Whenever I flexed, my implants would go east and west. A few years after my treatment ended, I met with a surgeon regarding reconstruction. The challenge was now that I had a radiated left breast which lowered my chances of success on that side. He recommended silicone implants and I went ahead with the surgery. Four weeks after that surgery, my left side failed - I had a major infection. The implant was removed and a tissue expander inserted. I opted to give it a second try, despite the fact that I had a 50/50 chance of a second failure. The second implant "took" and I'm glad I went this route. All this to say, consider your options, especially if you need radiation. Best of luck to you!