Reduction of Healthy Breast After no Reconstruction

lizaw

Has anyone here had their healthy breast reduced after having a mastectomy with no reconstruction? I never wanted reconstruction on my right side, so I use a prosthesis, but my left breast started getting larger once I finished Tamoxifen. I have not gained weight and yet my breast size has increased by almost 2 cup sizes. It's a very full 38G at this point. It's getting ridiculous. I would love to have a reduction on it with no reconstruction on the right side so that I could wear a smaller prosthesis.

Has anyone heard of anybody else doing this? Would insurance pay for it?

lizaw

Moderators

Dear lizaw, Welcome to the BCO community. We appreciate that you have reached out. While you are waiting for some responses you may want to check out this information on our site about Breast Reduction and Augmentation. While it does not really answer your question it does offer some information about the procedure. Stay connected here and keep us posted. The Mods

BarredOwl

Hi Lizaw:

Did you discuss the change in breast size with your breast surgeon or medical oncologist?

BarredOwl

glennie19

I think insurance would depend on how it is presented to them. I would talk to your BS or a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction.

proudtospin

I was told after my lumpies that it would, I did not do it and now, 8 years later, dang but both of em are bigger

I would surely contact your BS or MO and ask. good luck

lizaw

Thanks for all of the replies.

Mods.--thanks for the link. I am aware of the information

Barredowl--I've discussed it in passing. I am 41 and premenstrual. I still get periods and all of the hormonal breast changes that happen through my cycle...sore breasts a week before, pms, etc. I was stage 1, did chemo and Tamoxifen. Once I stopped Tamoxifen, my breast has slowly grown over the last 2 years. Now that Tamoxifen is not blocking the estrogen, my breast tissue has fuel. Nothing I can really do about it at this point other than to hope that my treatments worked and I'm in the clear.

My main concern is wondering whether insurance would cover it if I didn't recon the other side. I know that they are required to cover reconstruction....I was just wondering if they would cover this. A case could be made that it is a medical necessity. My left breast is very large and trying to get a prosthesis to balance that out is difficult. There will be a point at which I won't be able to find one that fits and weighs enough to maintain that balance.

All throughout this process I have been made very aware that large-breasted women are not served very well even by businesses that cater to breast cancer patients. They do not make large enough prostheses. They do not make supportive enough bathing suits with enough coverage. They do not make appropriate bra sizes for large-breasted women.

Living with a large chest was a problem before breast cancer, as far as finding attractive, well-fitting clothing. It's even more of a pain after a single mastectomy.