Spare Nipple mastectomy

Roopy

Hello ladies. I've been diagnosed with breast cancer ( in situ high grade) I'm going through surgery on February 1st. My Dr opted for spare nipple mastectomy. I was wondering if any of you had been through this kind of surgery? What to expect? I'd love to hear about your personal experiences. Wish be best of luck!

Moderators

Welcome, Roopy! We're sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but really glad you found us.

Someone will be by soon to share their experiences with nipple-sparing mastectomy. We just wanted to let you know we're all here for you and we look forward to hearing more from you!

Wishing you the best!

--The Mods

Anonymous

I had a nipple sparing mastectomy. I have done well (5 years out!) and various doctors have been very impressed with the results so I guess they did a good job.

Although I have little to no sensation in them, it was/is nice to be able to look in the mirror and still see "me" there. I'm assuming your doctor went over that there is a chance that your nipples might not survive, just so you go in knowing that it is a possibility

My surgery and recovery was pretty textbook. I was fortunate to not have any complications and went back to work after 5 weeks if I recall correctly... it's been awhile.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions on here or in private message.

Best of luck with your surgery and recovery.

Susan

muska

Hi Roopey, I had nipple sparing too. Very pleased with the results. Please PM if you have any specific questions.

Englishmummy

Me too! Mine was text-book, no problems at all - well, the nipples looked a little 'dodgy' to me (crusty, flaky etc) in the beginning but the Dr told me that there was never a doubt that they would come through - I am about 8 mths out but well healed.My surgeon told me that very specific requirements have to be met for Nipple sparing and that many (lay) people believe that it increases the chance of recurrence, but she told me that simply was not true (she is part of an on going research team for NSBMX). I think if you have that option you should go for it...but that is just my opinion.

Also happy to answer any questions on here or via PM. Good Luck with your decision, these things are just not easy.

Roopy

Thank you beautiful ladies! I am grateful to find this supportive community of strong women!

I am going through surgery next week. My Dr is operating on my right breast only. I've been diagnosed with carcinoma in situ high grade, a sentinel lymph node biopsy will be performed too. I have a few questions, I hope you will help me with:

Can I play sport after the recovery?

Do you follow a special diet after being diagnosed with cancer? Like dairy free diet, no meat... staff like that

For how long do you wear the post surgery bra?

I am getting a BRCA1 test done on my left breast two weeks after the surgery. Is it possible to test negative? (In the mamo the left breast was cancer free)

Thank you for clarifying things. I am crossing my fingers and wishing for the best. Your personal stories give me hope and strength. I've had enough of saying "Why me", it's time to face it all with a strong heart. I wish my surgery and recovery will be textbook.

Thank you again!

exbrnxgrl

Hi Roopy,

I can answer some of your questions.

I had a bilateral mx over 4 years ago, with one step implant recon, and have complete range of motion. I can engage in all forms of physical activity. It took several months to get there, but no problems now.

Some people do follow special diets. I have never eaten much red meat but do eat chicken and fish. I buy organic when possible. Since I am er+, I avoid estrogens in food.I believe in moderation and enjoyment, not extremes. This works for me. Some feel better on much more restrictive diets. It's up to you. A healthy, balanced diet is good for all but I have not seen enough evidence to support the benefits of extreme diets.

Wearing of post surgical bras or garment varies by doctor. I had no post surgical bra, but instead, something resembling a tightly wrapped ace bandage (and only for 10 days). Ask your surgeon about this

BRCA testing is genetic, not a test of breast tissue, so you don't have it done a particular breast.. The vast majority women do indeed have a negative BRCA test. Only a rather number of women have a genetically linked breast cancer component (however, there are other mutations besides BRCA).

Take care.

Anonymous

I second what xbrnxgrl wrote/shared.

I have full range of motion, but I'm not really doing a "sport" that involves excessive use of my arms so I can't really speak to that. I know the pec muscles are somewhat compromised so it depends on how serious your sport is and how much it involves your pectoral muscles? I run, hike, do pilates, etc. However I tend to avoid exercises that excessively use my pecs (like push ups) mainly because it feels odd.

If this is an important issue for you, I would definitely talk to your surgeon for some clarification and make sure you see a good physical therapist post surgery to make sure you are recovering properly and that you are cognizant about the less common, but very real possibility of lymphedema and how to lesson your chances of developing it.