Not sure where to post about my question

Purpleb3

My left upper breast was was the site of my lumpectomy and I have scars from the biopsy, lumpectomy and inner left 4 node removals. So now my breast has a weird fold on the upper left but the worse part is the nipple. This is embarrassing but my once prominent nipple is becoming inverted and stays damp in the folds. Wtf am I supposed to do with that? It gets white in the fold and stinks like a kinda yeasty smell no matter what bra I use. My breast look the same in a most bras but my nipples are in such misalignment that only my uncomfortable minimisers look ok in my summer clothes. Is it worth surgery to fix IT? I feel bad because so many woman have it worse but I hate having to put up with it as it makes me feel awful and self conscious and the side effects of that and my meds are making me miserable. I have always been modest bit its ridiculous I can't wear half of my cloths because my nipples are uneven and I refuse to be nude with my husband of 30 years because of the folds and inverted nipple thing. He said he doesn't care but I cant move on and wonder if when he sees it he is thinking about my cancer like I am.

Anonymous

I've got something very similar only its an inverted nipple that certainly isn't ever going to revert itself, and its pulled in so deep that I have the same issue of, usually by the end of the day, cheesy smell (for lack of better explanation!). I've raised it with MO who isn't worried (there is corresponding clear discharge as well that goes away on my off meds week) but it certainly bothers me! That breast is also now about a half cup size smaller than the other and in certain bras/tshirts that missing nipple is really obvious because the bra dents. Surgery is not indicated for me, and I refuse to be naked in front of my long term partner (who also says he doesn't care, but I feel so embarassed about the whole situation)

While showering usually keeps it ok during the day, I've found that the antibacterial wash for pre-surgery was most helpful. If I am about to workout or its a humid hot day then a few sprinkles of medicated Gold Bond (in the bra and nipple) helps keep things dry at least. I have tried anti-fungals like for yeast infections, but they didn't seem to work so guessing this is still bacteria. Sometimes in the evenings I will take a cotton pad and a glug of alcohol facial toner and give it a few pats (to kill the bacteria) but I wouldn't recommend that as a long term strategy!

I swear I would feel less self conscious with the whole mess removed from my chest, but they won't do it at this point. I wouldn't even care so much about the nipple inversion if the discharge problem wasn't also there - it makes me feel so unclean.

Is your nipple inversion new? If it is, have you raised it with your MO? That would be more concerning than the rest of the issues.

flashlight

Have you thought of seeing a dermatologist for the skin fold odor? You can't use any lotion or cream the area has to be kept dry. There is a nystatin powder, but usually you can only use for 2-weeks. Are you able to fold a 2x2 gauze to keep the area dry? I think you should go to a plastic surgeon for a consult.

Purpleb3

Thanks for the suggestions. I dont know why I never thought of trying a powder.

Purpleb3

Thanks for your reply. It helps to know I'm not just being a big baby. I'm sorry you are dealing with this too. I'm going to bring it up with my oncologist at my next appointment in 2 weeks. I finished radiation in March and even though my skin is in great shape I was told plastic surgery would need to wait. My medical team goes on about how well my skin did with radiation but I'm not feeling it when I have to adjust what I wear because of un even nipples and feeling the need for more coverage in the middle of summer. The inversion is new and it looks pushed in vs previously being always out and never flat.

PiperKay

Hi Purpleb3,

Although I haven't had a problem with inversion or discharge, my treated nipple was way off kilter for at least a year after radiation. The radiated nipple was pointing up while the untreated one was - sigh - pointing down as usual. I'm now two years out from radiation and the treated nipple is now - sigh - pointing downward again, not perfectly aligned, but SO much better.