Masectomy and Breast Reduction Scarring and Keyloids

novoe1

One year out after neo-adjuvant treatment for stage 2 negative breast cancer, i.e. chemo, surgery --masectomy (rt) and breast (l) reduction, then radiation and reconstruction surgery -- there is persistent skin irritation and now red swollen scars below the reconstructed breast. Breast team of doctors said, "it sometimes happens" and long application of mederma and silicone strips did not help. A dermatologist suggested cortisone shots and laser treatments to relieve the pain and redness, but even after three treatments, I still can not wear any sort of camisole or bra to relieve the pain. To make matters worse, there is about a two inch imbalance between my breasts -- another one of those things that I was told "can happen, despite the surgeon's best effort." Does anyone know of a company that makes some kind of "compression camisole" without a shelf bra/elastic band? The band in standard camisoles hits the worse part of the scar so I can't wear them. Tried cutting the band out, but that didn't solve the problem of imbalance. Would appreciate any ideas or suggestions. novoe138

Moderators

Hi Novoe-

Welcome to BCO! We're so sorry to hear of the discomfort you're still experiencing. You might try posting on our Reconstruction forum, lots of members share resources and tips there for post-recon healing: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44

The Mods

Admo

Hi - I just logged in to look for help with a similar complaint. I'm 13 months out from lumpectomy and reduction followed by radiation. I had lots of skin irritation a year ago (including allergic reactions to the surgical prep scrub and adhesive tape). Things were getting better and I had a clean mammo last month. But for the last 10 days, I have been increasingly swollen along my incision and my breasts are tender and painful. I have an appointment with the breast surgeon next week - but am stressing as I have many of the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer. I'll be happy to hear it isn't that - but I hate feeling like my breasts are going to be painful on and off forever.... there is so little information about long term issues like you and I are having. Please let me know if you learn anything!