mastecomy/reconstructive surgery

[molly729]

I have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  The tumor is over 5cm and although not confirmed through lab testing, the lump in my lymph is probably cancerous too.  I opted for the chemo first to see if the tumor could shrink, i was scheduled for 8 rounds.  After the second dose, the oncologist told me he could no longer feel the lump in my lymph node and the tumor was shrinking.  I then went to the plastic surgeon and was informed that because of the size and the fact that i was slated for radiation after the mastecomy, he would have to wait another three months after radiation was completed.  This wasn't the news that I was reeling over, he also told me that the surgeon would be taking most of the skin to remove the tumor, the options he had was to make one side (i'm having a double) out of the skin in my abdomen and the other would be an implant or he would have to do stretchers.  He also mentioned that even with all of this, he said there was still a risk of developing breast cancer again.  
My question is, after the chemo/the mastecomy/the radiation, how can this happen?  There isn't a family history of breast cancer, I do have fibrocystic disease which I believe is how this started, but if they are taking everything out, how and where could it develop?


This discussion is related to Breast Cancer>Mastecomy>Chemo>Still need radiation?.

[NaNa92]

Wow! I am dealing with cancer myself but its not Invasive- but I will need to have a mastectomy, Have you thought of getting a second opinion? With the implants you will need to do the stretchers right? I know My dr. will be doing that with me to stretch the chest muscle slowly. There may still be that risk, But did he give you a %. My implant will go behind my chest muscle. Do you have a surgery date yet? I know what you are going through emotionally, I have been very lucky to have two very wonderful doctors. And the Doctors on this site are very helpful and know what they are talking about, go ahead and ask them some questions, you'll be surprised how quick you get a response. It has been very helpful for me. Keep in touch. And may All your guardian angels look over you and help you with a great sucess rate.

[japdip]

Unfortunately once you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, no matter what the treatment, a recurrance is always a possibility. It can recur in the chest wall or can metastisize to another part of the body. There can also be another primary cancer. This isn't to say that is happens frequently but it's always a possibility.  Regards ....