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Posted by Shelly Blechman on 9/6/2002 from 216.117.218.7:

In reply to: radiation and reconstruction posted by Paula King on 8/31/2002 from 68.42.250.180:

I understand your concerns about radiation but technology has improved greatly in terms of precision of this treatment. Is this treatment being recommended because of the location of the tumor to the chest wall?

I know women can and do have successful plastic surgery reconstruction after their breast cancer surgery and radiation treatments. It is more challenging, but it is possible.

My recommendation is that you speak with a plastic surgeon as soon as possible to discuss your options. You should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second or third opinion.

A good resource regarding reconstruction is “A Woman’s Decision- Breast Care Treatment and Reconstruction” by Karen Berger and John Bostwick III, M.D. In this book they state that… “ After radiation therapy to the chest wall, breast reconstruction with tissue expansion is often not as successful because the skin may be damaged and less resilient; this means that the potential for complications is greater. Radiation can also affect the success of a breast implant or flap reconstruction by causing fibrosis (or thickening), capsular contracture and breast firmness. Therefore, if radiation is anticipated, breast reconstruction may be delayed until after treatment is completed. The best and least complicated breast reconstruction after radiation are done with autologous tissue - the TRAM flap, latissimus dorsi flap, or gluteous maximus free flap.” There is additional information in this book as well as testimonials. You may order this book through our website link below.

In terms of your treatment with Lupron, I am not aware of any cases of cancer that resulted from taking this. If we knew the causes of breast cancer, then there would be a cure. Unfortunately, there is no one thing that causes breast cancer. There are many factors that contribute. It is important to realize that it was nothing you did or did not do.

Please know that WIN ABC is here as a resource for you. If you would like to receive free information relative to your situation, you may complete the Personal Profile Form by clicking on the link on this page or contact our office toll free at (866) 2 WIN ABC (294-6222). Your information will be kept confidential.


Shelly Blechman
Program Director
WIN Against Breast Cancer

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please keep in mind that we are not health care providers. Also, it is very difficult to render an opinion without knowing all the facts of any one particular case.

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