Lumpectomy & reconstruction anyone?

amcarter

So I had a lumpectomy and radiation years ago on my right breast. That breast is much smaller than the other after surgery and has a pretty significant indention. I cannot fill out a bra on that side and look rather lopsided in bathing suits. I have wanted to have something done for quite some time but preferred fat transfer instead of an implant because I had read it was more likely to work well with a radiated breast. When I checked on it some years back insurance would not cover it so I decided to wait. Now I am wondering if I should reconsider my options. Has anyone had experience with any kind of reconstruction post lumpectomy & rads?

Moderators

Hi amcarter!

We're sure you'll get some helpful responses here soon, but we wanted to share this page with you from the main Breastcancer.org site on Reconstruction After Lumpectomy, in case there's anything in there that can help.

--The Mods

kostrong

Hi! amcarter I am at the same place.

Is reconstruction a good option? With surgery or waiting?

DCIS and use to exercise such as swimming, yoga, and aerobic. What is possible with so much information to sort through?

coffeeandcatz

I had my lumpectomy 2 years ago, followed by SAVI internal radiation. Following treatment, I had a seroma which pretty much filled the cavity left by the tumor & radiation. Because of that my breast size and shape remained the same for a long time. Probably a year and a half post surgery, the fluid had been absorbed by my body and my cancer breast is much smaller. I had honestly forgotten that reconstruction was an option but I met with a plastic surgeon recently who recommended implants for both breasts and then fat grafting over the indent on the cancer side.The impression I got is options available depend quite a bit on individual circumstances regarding treatment, size, etc. I would highly recommend getting an opinion or two from a PS who specializes in reconstruction. My breast surgeon recommended someone for me.