AJ's Cancer Journey & Chronic Illness: Implant deflation & Radiotherapy

Yesterday I went to see Mr P my surgeon, thinking I was having my right implant deflated. After he found out Oncology had already done my planning appointment and tattoos ready for radiotherapy he decided not to. He said there was no evidence that deflating would help save my implant, he just thought it would be worth a try. I'm to keep an eye on the implant, scars and skin during radiotherapy treatment and if needed I can have it deflated any time. Radiotherapy can cause scarring and hardening of the implant, leading to a less natural look. So fingers crossed my implant survives this. Worst case scenario is I get capsular contracture and have to have my implant removed and wait 6-12 months before we can re-try reconstruction again.

I am having radiotherapy after mastectomy because my tumour was over 5cm in size and it aims to destroy any cancer cells that may be left behind in the breast area after surgery. The tattoos I've had are 3 little black dots which they use to line up the machine that will be giving the radiation as Radiotherapy also affects healthy tissue in the area being treated. However, this is generally able to recover and repair itself. It’s given in such a way that it has the greatest effect on the cancer cells while limiting the damage to normal healthy tissue.

My finger nails are almost grown back but I've now lost my first toe nail and look like I'll be losing a few more (picture below for the less queasy of you), hopefully it won't be too painful with winter coming as I don't fancy flip flops in cold weather! I was confused as to why this was happening now and found out from Oncology that finger nails take about 3-6 months to regrow and toe nails take 12-18 months to regrow. Cancer the gift that keeps on giving!

On a good note I'm getting stronger daily, I'm now walking 2 miles before I need to sit down which is great. I'm also driving short distances and today managed the 18 mile drive to work which I was well chuffed about, I'm a little sore but no pain no gain! It was lovely to see everyone at work again, felt like I'd never been away haha! I'm going to start getting out on my bicycle too at the weekend. But first I have my first Radiotherapy tomorrow to get through then every day for the next three weeks, wish me luck. xx

Radiotherapy side effects:
https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-treatment-breast-cancer/side-effects/side-effects-radiotherapy