Is there any thing breast cancer patients can do PRIOR TO, or DURING radiation to prevent having issues with reconstruction?

Would like to have this answered both for patients who have not yet had recon, as well as those who already have.

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LeonardFarberMD (Physician - Oncology - Radiation (Verified) ) - 08 / 03 / 2011

The best approach to this is coordination with the radiation oncologist and reconstructive surgeon. Timing of radiation relative to surgery as well as completion of reconstruction relative to the end of radiation treatment. Depending on the type of reconstruction sometimes it is done prior to radiation, sometimes expanders are placed before radiation and then exchanged out at least six months after radiation is completed, and if autologous tissue reconstruction is performed, this is typically done prior to any radiation.
Again, coordination is key and a plan for long term reconstruction is to be in place.
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