I had immediate reconstruction, silicone implants because they were 99.999% that nothing would be found in lymph nodes and I wouldn't need radiation. Well there were cells in lymph nodes so had to have radiation. They were concerned the implants would not hold up, but 5 mths after radiation, they are fine.

I was advised to do radiation first. It can damage your skin and I would not want an implant in. do you have expanders in? I was the same as Peggy. Question your doctor. You can still get another opinion. I did .

I had my tissue expander in during mastectomy but had to wait 3 mths after radiation before getting the reconstructive surgery & then 3 mths later before it was finalized. Don't rush it as radiation really does mess up your skin cells!

I did, and ended up having it all redone. The radiation caused the right side to tighten up a lot and I was very lopsided. My new Plastic Surgeon told me that he never ever does the implants before radiation because of that reason.

My oncologist promised all along (I am done with 4/6 chemo) that I would not need radiation. NOW they are strongly recommending it. My PS is more than happy to do exchange surgery before rads, and also says there is no worry about it effecting the implant itself, just the skin and tissue around it. I'm going for it, so we shall see.