Breast implants and breast cancer

[dammiejodger]

Evening all

I have not long finished feeding my second child at 2yrs 3 months. I also fed my first for 16 months.

I have always had A cup breasts, and they went up to a DD whilst feeding. I felt so much more confident. They've now gone right back down, barely an A cup. I am so self-conscious and so not feel feminine at all.

My mum had breast cancer, no other family history. My worry is, if I were to have implants, would this stop me being able to feel lumps? And what about mammograms? Could the implants rupture?

It's something I am seriously considering but the fear of missing a lump is stopping me.

Implants would generally be placed behind your breast tissue so you can still check your breasts.
its something to discuss with your surgeon though.
Implant rupture is a risk, you might also want to research a type of cancer called ALCL which is rare but is found in the capsule the implant makes.

Research everything really well and go to a surgeon with an excellent reputation to ask further questions. Good luck

You can still have mammograms, I asked the radiographer about implants recently when attending the screening (out of curiosity rather than need!)
Apparently they do a slightly different approach.

Thank you, both. I will do some research.

I’ve just been diagnosed with stage 2 HER + breast cancer. This is my 2nd time , the previous was Oestrogen receptive stage 1. I had a lumpectomy & radiotherapy but can’t have radiotherapy this time & my treatment options are chemo + mastectomy + reconstruction using tissue from my abdomen. That’s major surgery at least 8 hours + I’m not afraid but the thing that terrifies me is the chemo & the possible side effects of heart problems from Herceptin. Feeling scared of chemo , it’s like having bleach poured into you & I don’t want to lose my hair. Let alone the horrific side effects, nausea, ulcers, hair loss, infected nail beds, fatigue etc . Sounds ridiculous I know but I need some support here before I lose my mind. Waiting for the results of my bone scan & CT scan next week. It hasn’t spread to my remaining lymph nodes.

Im sitting here three days after my most recent chemo, I am quite comfortable, I have had a but if weakness and nausea over the last few days, and I am very tired. I make myself walk to the shops to keep my strength up, and apart from that I laze about and look after myself. Its not like having bleach poured into me! Don't be frightened.

Thank you. I hope your journey is manageable. I’m more afraid of the chemo than anything else. Have to face.

don't be afraid, if you are in major discomfort you just have to say, and medicines can be offered that help, and the chemo dose can be adjusted.

From what I’ve researched Taxol is the worst for side effects. I’ll know more next week about what my surgeon will propose. Appreciate the support .

Hi there

I am high risk as my mum and aunt, her sister, Both had breast cancer b4 50. I also have implants and for the last 8 years I am allowed to have MRIs. Since turning 44 I also have mammogram as well

So far all is well. Implants are doin good with all the squishing!

I had my first mammogram since turning 50 and they saw everything fine with my implants and it wasn’t painful - I was actually reassured that the implants were fine too

I had chemo for stage 3 breast cancer 10 years ago - it’s obviously an extremely unpleasant and scary thing to go through and I was terrified when I had the first dose but you should be really well supported through the whole treatment and be helped with any side effects. Losing your hair is horrible but it grows back (normally very curly) and your body recovers. Can you get in touch with your local Maggies centre or Breast Cancer Now? They both provide really helpful support. Good luck. Xx

@jm42 I've also had chemo for breast cancer. The fear of chemo was far worse than the reality. I had AC which made me feel queasy like I was slightly hungover and then Taxol which caused no nausea but I felt a bit fluey and achey for a couple of days and then got the runs. I worked throughout. On my first day on the chemo ward my nurse introduced me to a lady in her early 30s who had 2 young kids and commuted into London. She took Fridays off for her chemo, then had the weekend to take it easy, but was then back commuting from Monday! We are all different, and you need to listen to your body, but they will give you good meds to combat any potential side effects.

Oh, and I kept about 50% of my hair using the cold cap.

Sorry, OP for hijacking your thread. You can get implants that go behind the muscles, so your breast tissue is still up front. But I am sure they would explain any risks if you voice your concerns.

X