1. < Breast Cancer

Healing from surgery on previously radiated tissue

Posted by meomurian @meomurian, Sep 9, 2023

I am having a mastectomy for IDC stage 1 and had radiation 12 years ago. Has anyone had a problem with slower healing due to the previous radiation? Will the scar be different?

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tessspike | @tessspike | Sep 10, 2023

Yes, I had to have an implant removed 14 years after my bilateral mastectomy due to a leak and infection, and I had a great deal of capsulation on the same side. The wound did take a lot longer to heal. I think my situation was on the extreme end, requiring hyperbaric oxygen treatment and a wound vac. This is not the normal scenario, but even then I healed well. The scar isn't a simple one but I honestly don't care. I'm thankful to be alive and with a closed wound.

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meomurian | @meomurian | Sep 10, 2023
In reply to @tessspike "Yes, I had to have an implant removed 14 years after my bilateral mastectomy due to..." + (show)
@tessspike

Yes, I had to have an implant removed 14 years after my bilateral mastectomy due to a leak and infection, and I had a great deal of capsulation on the same side. The wound did take a lot longer to heal. I think my situation was on the extreme end, requiring hyperbaric oxygen treatment and a wound vac. This is not the normal scenario, but even then I healed well. The scar isn't a simple one but I honestly don't care. I'm thankful to be alive and with a closed wound.

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That sounds complicated! I am glad you healed well. Just one question: What do you mean the scar is not a simple one?

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tessspike | @tessspike | Sep 10, 2023

It is not a clean, straight one but uneven with a flap of skin covering the original scar. I suppose it could be made simpler, but I'm done with surgeries for cosmetic purposes. I was delighted when it closed!

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meomurian | @meomurian | Sep 10, 2023

My surgeon seems to think I will have no issues with healing or scarring. I hope she is right.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 23, 2023

@meomurian, have you had your surgery? How are you doing? How's the recovery?

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meomurian | @meomurian | Sep 23, 2023

My surgery will be this coming Tuesday, September 26th. I’m feeling pretty peaceful right now with my family and friends praying for me. I hope to be able to give a good report on the outcome. Tuesday is just three days away. Thanks for thinking of me.

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