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DIEP Flap Reconstruction And Then Radiation?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question šŸ’­
New York, NY

Hi, I just finished 20 weeks of chemo, single mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction.
Now, my doctors are thinking about 28 days of radiation, although I seem to have no spread to any lymph node (thankful!). This would be my second round of radiation; the first was 20 years ago.

Does anyone know how a flap -- DIEP or Trans -- responds to radiation?

Thanks so much, Beth

April 30, 2019
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A MyBCTeam Member

We receive or don't receive information we should. We are so rushed through at times that it's hard to find answers ahead of time. I do find it a bit disconcerting that a radiologist is making that kind of call, which should only come from a PS. But that is something that I think you should call and ask them about. See what they say and then mention (if you choose) that you researched and found that it was not recommended until after radiation. Perhaps you can get them to agree that if there are issues after rads they will do some adjustments for you under the origional bill. Worth a try Blessings

April 30, 2019
A MyBCTeam Member

I was told by my surgeon that i had to wait a year after radiation before i could even consider reconstruction. Do your research and ask your docs about the pros and cons; arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible.

April 30, 2019
A MyBCTeam Member

Any reconstruction should be delayed until after radiation this was told to me by PS and I also researched and in it confirmed. I wish you well sister through your journey. Blessings

April 30, 2019
A MyBCTeam Member

So sorry, and so hard for you... thank you for the helpful response.

May 1, 2019
A MyBCTeam Member

I had normal reconstruction with expanders. I had no lymph node involvement but they sent me to a RO to get evaluated for radiation because of how aggressive my cancer was. I had 7.1 cm grow sometime between 6 month mammograms. My RO said I was in the gray area and it was up to me if it wanted to do radiation. Since I was TNBC with a high rate of reoccurence I chose to do it. It did affect my reconstruction with implants. Often radiated skin shrinks and is very thin. So incisions often do not hold.

May 1, 2019 (edited)

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