Breast cancer reconstruction for women with fibromyalgia

Hi @behat, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can imagine that you're worried about managing pain with fibromyalgia. A few members have mentioned having fibromyalgia and breast cancer, like @butterflylan17 @buckimom and @spanning. I'm not sure if they had reconstruction, but they may have surgery experiences to share.

Behat, have you told your surgical oncologist that your have fibromyalgia? Have you shared what medication or methods you currently use to manage fibro flare-ups? I can imagine that would be valuable information for them to know and understand.

I was faced with the same decision in 1978 and chose to get the silicone implants after having bilateral mastectomies. I had fibrocystic breasts with a family history of breast cancer. The implants eventually ruptured and became fungal. I ended up in the Dow Corning Settlement with a diagnosis of Atypical Connective Tissue Disorder. That disease caused my tendons to dissolve in three places: shoulder-rotator cuffs, arch of my right foot, and meniscus. My decision turned out to be the worst decision for “health” in my life. My fibromyalgia developed AFTER having the implants. I also had several rotator cuff repairs only to have it tear again. Now I am undergoing two Reverse Shoulder Replacement surgeries for the right arm and an upcoming one in February for the left. Imaging is so much more sophisticated now. I was told by an excellent DR who understood the impact of silicone not to do anything when dealing with cancer. Wait a year, allow time to heal, and then decide. A foreign body implanted while trying to heal from cancer only exacerbates the problem. I chose not to have any reconstruction but rather to use prostheses. Remember: saline implants are in a silicone shell. I have become horribly allergic to silicone now. I recently underwent a cardio conversion and developed a severe rash not only where the patch was but all over both legs. It is a tough decision. I wish you the best in healing from cancer and urge you to deal with only one issue at a time.

I’m looking for women who have fibromyalgia Who then had to have a mastectomy and reconstruction of the breast Who are willing to share their experience. That is what I am now facing and I am terrified that I will not be able to tolerate the pain of the expander and the implants. I would appreciate any feedback thank you