On Jan 16, 5:44 am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:

I'm not sure I have enough facts to explain really well. I was told
that radiation causes some permenant changes in the structure of
tissue. At some point, there is a high risk of damage, both to
underlying tissue and to the skin. So, the "normal" dosage is the
maximum that they think most people's tissue will tolerate without
significant damage. More radiation to the same location, even 20 years
later, is not considered good medical practice, as I understand it.

Thanks for that, perhaps Tim know more (hint!)

I wish you well and hope that you're happy with whatever course you choose.

Mary

by the way, I'm so sorry you got cancer a second time :( Must have been very
sad, after 20 years.

On Jan 16, 5:44 am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:

I'm not sure I have enough facts to explain really well. I was told
that radiation causes some permenant changes in the structure of
tissue. At some point, there is a high risk of damage, both to
underlying tissue and to the skin. So, the "normal" dosage is the
maximum that they think most people's tissue will tolerate without
significant damage. More radiation to the same location, even 20 years
later, is not considered good medical practice, as I understand it.

I didn't push the question too hard because I also understand that a
lumpectomy to this breast would not give a particularly satisfying
cosmetic result: it is already about half the size of the other one.
My previous surgeries took more tissue than the average lumpectomy.

Thanks to everyone who offered thoughts. I really appreciate seeing
this through others' eyes!

You mean you weren't?

My surgeon said he'd do whatever I wanted but that he wanted me not to make
a snap decision. I did change my mind but said that if I had to go back at
any time I'd have an all-off.

That's the worst option, I think.

Mary

I had reconstruction. I chose a highly recommended surgeon and got the
implant at the same time as the mastectomy. my surgeon didn't listen to
me....two months after the procedure, I had that implant removed and a
different one--the one I'd requested at our first consult--installed. it's
better but it's certainly not perfect. during that surgery (the supposedly
"minor" one to replace the implant) I had hematoma, discovered a few hours
later (my entire side ballooned up) so I was wheeled back in for emergency
surgery and had to stay overnight. That turned out OK.....the breast is the
right size and good placement, scar not bad at all...it has a dent in it but
I've become accustomed to that. It's way too tight though, I do push-ups and
lift weight and it is like a softball on there but when I wear clothes no
one knows (and I wear thin tight clothes; just this week someone said I had
the body of a hot 17 year old, and I am 3x that age)....anyway....then I had
the nipple done, and again my perfect surgeon failed, LOL...it's in exactly
the right place but collapsed within weeks, no elevation at all. So on
Monday I am going back for (ta-da) another try....and this time I get an
organ donation, the cadaver tissue, so we'll see. More expense, more missed
work and lost income, more....whatever.....what kind of cancer did you have?
were you taking tamoxifen or Femara? was the tumor near the original site? I
had four biopsies on this one "bad" boob so it was never going to look great
no matter what....would I do reconstruction again? yes....it is what it is.
better than using prosthesis, just my opinion; but ask me in 10 years and I
might respond differently, these inserts ain't forever.....I don't like the
feel of it but I'm grateful the option existed. I turned down the first
surgeon recommended.....I interviewed and researched. I've been unlucky I
guess but also luckier than many. After this "try" I guess I'm done...I
won't touch the "good" boob (I shudder at women who have double mastectomies
prophylactically unless they have really really bad prognosis, it is NOT
FUN, and I like my NIPPLES, dammit, I really miss my nipple)....and I'll
probably do the tattooing as well. It has all been a long process but I
can't imagine having simply a flat scar on that side. I think it's a
difficult decision. My surgeons made it seem fairly simply and said that 75%
of their mam patients had reconstruction, so...I just nodded and did my
research and went forward.  I had to make the decision quickly (cancer was
Stage 1 but things were kind of rushed through). I think it has a lot to do
with your lifestyle, your body image, your personality and mental attitude,
your sexual/romantic feelings/situation. I've had to make a lot of
medical/health decisions in my life and.....you just do what makes sense at
the time and then hope for the best. that's all you can do. oh, and ask lots
of people who have "been there." Good luck...my surgery is NOT on
Valentine's Day ;-)
On Jan 19, 8:13 pm, "Barb" <ammer...@epix.net> wrote:

It absolutely does help to hear these stories! I know that I must make
my own decision ultimately. But I think my worst feat is that I will
leave out some important aspect or question in making that decision.
By hearing how others decided and how it turned out, it helps fill in
the blanks.

I am scheduled for surgery on Feb. 13, and have another week or so
before I need to give the docs a final decision. It may be a couple of
weeks after surgery before I get back to a computer, but I will be
sure to say hi when it is all over.

And, as an aside...... I have not been an active participant in this
group, but I sometimes read it and, from time to time as is seemed
appropriate, have corresponded directly with various members when I
thought I had some insights to offer. I really appreciate how willing
you have all been to help me out despite that I probably seemed to
drop in out of nowhere!