Breast size shrinkage??

jessica0927

Hi .  My mom is a 10 year IDC survivor.  She was stage I and was treated with lumpectomy, rads, tamoxifen and femara.  She had a normal clinical exam and mammo last week.  She has now noted an apparent shrinkage in size of the treated breast.  COuld this be a long term side effect of the radiation?  10 years later????  

We are concerned.  She sees her oncologist for her final follow up this month and we pray this isn't a sign of something new.  Any ideas? 

Sherryc

I do know that people can have shrinkage after radiation, but not sure about 10 years out.  Def a question for the onco.  But I wonder why she will no longer be seeing her onco.  I was told yearly for life and I know other women who have had BC many years ago and still see there onco once a year.

jessica0927

I guess I meant her last 6 m follow up while on Femara. I assume she will still go annually one she is off the med. I'm just worried this could be a new cancer, like ILC. I'm just scared

Sherryc

With the change I would def go see the onco about it.  I hope all turns out well and that it is nothing to worry about.

Shirlann

Hi, I am 13 years out and have had something like your mom.  I looked pretty much the same on both sides after surgery, the radiated breast was a little "perkier", but not at all noticeable, fast forward 6 years and my oldest son got married, so I lost 50 pounds, all is well.  BUT, then I gained it back and the treated breast was about 1/3 smaller than the other normal one.  Fast forward to now, my second son is getting married, I decided to lose weight AGAIN, and my radiated breast is TINY, I look like a freak.  Now, I was told if you lose weight, and then gain weight, the cells in the radiated breast will lose volume but cannot gain it back.  Now, in California,at least, they have to get you back to where you want to be by law, or, looking normal.  But I don't want any more surgery, so I got a plastic thingy and stuff that in the little side.  

Who knew???

Gentle hugs, Shirlann 

Sherryc

Shirlann very interesting I love the things they fail to tell us.