I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer about 15 months ago. This was my 2nd tumor on the right side. My previous tumor was removed and the breast was radiated. This time I had chemo and a double mastectomy. I chose to have the double. I did a latisimus dorsi reconstruction on both sides. I had implants after expanders. This summer I had a revision and nipple reconstruction on the right side. My left mastectomy was nipple sparing. About 3 weeks later my radiated skin started to let go. I had a wound that was about the size if a dime. We tried hyperbaric oxygen therapy to heal the wound. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I had to have the implants removed. Now I am continuing with the hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help the healing process on the radiated side. I am using a mastectomy bra for now. In 6 months I can try reconstruction again if everything heals well. Things seem to be going well. My doctor wants to do a tram flap with implants and go smaller next time. The tram will offer a good blood supply to the area and the skin from my tummy will help the radiated side support the reconstruction. I need the implants because I don't have enough tissue to make one breast let alone 2. I'm nervous about another surgery, but I am only 45. I'm not ready to give up on having breasts yet. Doug is right about how confident you feel. I only had the reconstruction for about 2 months, but it felt good. I miss it now but I hope it is only temporary. I am hopeful that the oxygen therapy will strengthen the radiated tissue and the tram flap will help increase the blood supply to the area. Not sure if I can do this 3 times. I hope everything works out for all of you. I would love to hear some successful recon after radiation stories!
Sincerely,
Jen