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Radiation Therapy Questions about Radiation Therapy. |
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| 9/30/2011 | I have IDC stage II grade 1, E/P +, HER2 -. Had bilateral mastectomy 8/30/11. Path report showed poor margins, cancer still in fascia, which was not removed. So now radiation is recommended. Reconstruction with expanders and AlloDerm was started. My plastic surgeon recommends finishing expansion AND final implants BEFORE radation because "recent studies show better results since the AlloDerm is in place". He has been doing it this way for 3-5 years so long term results are not available. What do you think? Expanders/implants/radiation or expand/radiation/implants? Keep in mind his recommendation is based on the act that AlloDerm is in place. Thank you | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 10/1/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center with your question. Please consult with a both a breast surgical oncologist, and a breast radiation oncologist, as to discussion of actual reexcision of positive margins and/or radiation to positive margins. Here, we would not proceed with definative/final reconstruction until after radiation...alloderm or no alloderm. TE are placed initally for this very reason...if further tx indicated, the 'work-horse' TE takes the hit, and delayed reconstruction with permanent implants is done later. Hope this helps, and best wishes. | ||
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