Reconstruction before or after Radiation

[almostthere2]

Hello, I am a 43 year old female, had Stage 3,  poorly differentiated ductal carcinoma, ER- neg PR- neg and Her2-/neu +1  ( triple negative )  4 of 18 lymph nodes positive including sentinel largest lymph 1.2 cm and  breast tumor 6.5 cm.   I just finished 4 A/C,  1- Taxotere and  6 - Taxol. I had a skin sparing modified mastectomy in April 2007, my surgeon put my saline implant back in. During chemo the implant ruptured  and I have a slow leak. My concern is starting 36 radiation treatments with a ruptured implant and is there a possibility for infection or complication ? Should I have another surgery and remove the implant at which time should I replace it with a new saline implant  ? Can I have radiation after reconstruction and if so, how will it effect the new implant ? How long should I wait after surgery to begin radiation ?  My radiologist is pushing me to start immediately, I'm concerned about all the side effects.

Thank you in advance.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear almostthere2:  There can be issues regarding timing of reconstruction and radiation therapy.  You should contact a plastic surgeon who is familiar with reconstruction and radiation.  The plastic surgeon and the radiation oncologist could perhaps consult each other on the best way to move forward in your situation.

[boninclyde]

I gave you some info on your other post in the other breast cancer forum. Hope this helps.