Surgery after Radiation

[ladysmith105]

I am 2 weeks post breast radiation, 33 treatments.  The breast is continuing to decrease in size.  I didn't tolerate the treatments very well, & have large areas of discoloration under the arm, to the boost site on the front of the breast, and under the breast; but know that the discoloration will probably resolve.  At a recent breast cancer support group meeting a member told me there was a type of reconstruction for lumpectomy where a tiny implant is inserted to the tumor site.  Can you tell me about this?  Are there any other types of  "mini reconstruction" treatments for lumpectomy deformities?  Also, is there a cream I can use to help fade the discoloration?

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

There ar eno impalnts that should be used afterradiation. The latissimus muscle can be used to fill in the defect. One can use a DMAE cream bought in natural food stores to help the skin.

                         arch s miller ms md facs

[ladysmith105]

Dear Dr Miller,

Thank you for your recommendation.  Since my last post I read about Fat Stem Cell implants on the cellmedicine.com site.  It is dated 12/15/07, and said research all over the country was taking place.  I looked for a clinical trial as I am excited to hear about this treatment, but didn't find any.  Have you heard about this procedure?