Question from an IBCer

Hello everyone,
 
I had the normal course of treatments due to IBC, except
radiation, and
had a bilateral mastectomy last May but haven't had
reconstruction.  I
am very apprehensive about doing this because of this type
of cancer.  I
had DCIS breast cancer in 2000, celebrated my five years
cancer-free in
February 2005 and was diagnosed with IBC in December 2005. 
I am
considered NED by the University of Pennsylvania where I
received my
chemo, surgery, etc., and also by Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli
at MD
Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.  Since I received
so much
radiation with DCIS in 2000, I wasn't able to get it this
time.  I do
receive Herceptin every three weeks, meet with my oncologist
in Philly
every six weeks for bloodwork and Herceptin, and meet with
Dr.
Cristofanilli in Houston every three months for check-ups. 
Since I
wasn't able to have radiation, Dr. C will do an ultrasound
of my lymph
nodes every six months to be safe.  He is extraordinary and
we, IBCers,
are so lucky to have him and his team.
 
Here's my question. I wasn't going to have reconstruction
but now I am
thinking about it.  If you didn't have reconstruction
immediately, how
long did you wait before you had reconstruction, or didn't
you have it
at all.  I just I'm just scared that by having
reconstruction, it could
complicate matters since this is my second time around with
breast
cancer.
 
I would really appreciate any input you could give me.  
 
Thanks everybody.take care.
 
Kathy Patton from PA

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