Oncoplasty :to do. 1.side.or both? Stressed and concerned

Mrsmcg

I am having oncoplastic (oncoplasty) on the left breast that was diagnosed with IDC. I have the option to have the same procedure done to the right side. I am having a very difficult time making a decision in this regard. This has been causing me a lot of stress. I want to make this decision and feel at peace with it. Can anyone tell me if there are cons to not having the unaffected side done? What are the pros, if any to not having it done?

My boobs are a size 38D. I have Ptosis (droopy) breasts. I know that this procedure would help with that, but I'm not huge on the cosmetic reasons for doing the procedure to the unaffected side. I can live without my boobs being completely equal. That said, my left breast is already smaller than the right side. I also had a lumpectomy last year. I don't want to. End up with breaststroke that looked deformed.

Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated. Trying to come to a decision is realy stressing me out!!

Mrsmcg

Bootscootin

I did both sides in 2015 and couldn't be happier. Recovery was easy and I was back to work in a week. I live alone and had a friend drive me home from the hospital. She stayed overnight but I really didn't need any help. We picked up my dogs at boarding the next day and then she went home. I was told that radiation would be easier without so much breast tissue.

Lula73

the difference in size between the two of you don’t have both done may make finding a bra that supports properly difficult, finding clothing that will “fall” over the two different sides without showing the difference difficult, the difference may be quite obvious which may make you self-conscious, and health wise it can affect your balance which can lead to falls (especially as we age), cause back/neck/hip pain and/or problems (different pain/problems than you currently likely experience with larger breasts). You’re going under for surgery anyway. Considering all this, I’d go ahead and do both. If the ptosis got resolved in the process that’s the icing on the cake! But that’s just me...

DATNY

I think people adapt well either way. Cosmetic and balance aspects can be overcome one way or another. However, the younger one is the more time one has to worry about cancer in the good breast. I am in my mid 40s and this was the only reason for which I opted for bmx. Just wanted to reduce as much as I could my risk in the future.

Mom-mom

I had lumpectomy on my right side in 2007 and was slightly lopsided for years. A good bra helped when in clothes but it was definitely something I noticed and felt. Fast forward to 2017 and I had a recurrence—same breast—so righty had to go. I opted for UMX as breast and nipple sensation are very very important to me in the bedroom. I have a TE on right side and am awaiting exchange for implant. I am hoping for reasonable symmetry which will require a lift on my native breast. A very personal decision for sure

Mrsmcg

Bootscootin, what type of work do you do? My PS told me that it is typical to take 2-3 weeks off work, and light duty until I am 6 weeks out from surgery. How did your radiation go? This is also something that I am concerned about, as they talk about burns to the skin, etc. and I have sensitive skin.

Lula73, I am sure there are bras with partial padding that could be worn to make up the difference. Not really sure how boobs being a different size would have that much of an effect on a person's balance. How would a slight difference in size cause back, neck and hip pain?! My breasts aren't that large - 38D. I don't know that much about ptosis. I assume it is just a term used to describe droppy boobs.

Mom-mom - you stated that "I had a recurrence—same breast—so righty had to go." I had a lumpectomy in the left breast last year, and was diagnosed with very small IDC less than a year later. My BS, and a second opinion BS both do not feel that a mastectomy is necessary. That is why they are recommending the oncoplastic.

I have been reading that the results of the oncoplastic can change based on the type of breast tissue you have I read that if you have a lot of fatty tissue that you have a higher chance of your breast becoming deformed I read my pathology report, and it stated that my biopsy sample showed elongated and fragmented portions of fibrofatty tissue I wouldn't want to have the right side done only to end up with a deformed boob, but I don't want to have droopy boobs either.

Did you get a prescription for a post surgery bra? My BS doesn't seem to think it is necessary. The nurse just told me to get a sports bra with a zipper, which I am having a difficult time finding When I have found one, the fit is terrible, so I am sure the fit would be even worse post surgery.

mrsmcg

Mrsmcg

Update: I have decided to do both sides.