the reduction+lumpectomy thread

Please include me in the formerly big breasted thread!

So happy with my reduction +lumpectomy!

Hmmm....recovery, let me think....that is hard to say.  My reduction was with a re-excision (first lumpectomy had only 1mm clear margin) so I had the reduction/lumpectomy on July 20th.  I started radiation on Sept. 14th - which I think made the healing from surgery take a bit longer on that side.  I can pretty much sleep on my stomach now - which I could not right before rads and NO WAY during radiation.  The radiation burn is fading, and I can't believe how much my scars from the reduction have faded.

Sorry for the long answer!

I will happily take on the west coast branch!

I had a post surgical bra that I LOVE - still love it.  I had a hard time finding a sports bra that didn't look too bulky under clothing (it was summertime) and in addition wanted a front closing bra, without underwire.  I alternate from the surgical bra to cotton non underwire bras that I found at target.  I used to wear these huge minimizers....big difference!

We had houseguests 3 weeks after my surgery - I felt okay - but could not run or walk super fast, and was still swollen.  

You will feel much better in the next few weeks.

Thanks for bumping the thread, Cookie.  I'm too busy freaking out to post anything reasonable right now.  I just got the EOB from my ins co. and it's not a pretty document.

Has anyone had reduction after rads? I'm concerned that the bc/rads side will be pissed off if we cut it again.

I'm 2 1/2 years out and have a scar and dent, also, on my last mammo there was a necrotic cyst, caused by rads, that when aspirated, left a very red area from where the needle entered over to where the cyst was, about 3" wide and a good inch tall. That was mid-Nov.09 and it's STILL red.

Then I had a punch biopsy in the same spot, because doc thought if the redness wasn't an infection, it was not, then it might be IBC, it was not, but that left another scar.

I'm really confused as to why I wasn't even offered the Lump with bi-lateral reduction. They could have taken larger margins and I could have avoided Radiation all together. Now, if I want the girls to be symmetrical I'll have to have a reduction/lift on both sides.

And I found out today, by a Relay-for-Life volunteer that she had the above at the same hospital with the partner of my BS.

My dh really wants me to do it. Everyone says it will help my poor achy-breaky back. I'm feeling that unnecessary surgery is asking for trouble.

ANY Post-Rads Reductions out there?

DH wants me to change BS. I tend to think thats kinda harsh, at least I could ask her why she didnt even discuss an option. I've only seen one PS, time is important too, as my COBRA runs out end of may.

~C

I could have gotten more opinions. Insurance restricts who to use for most of my doctors. If I go out of the PPO, I pay a bigger co-pay, etc. it adds up.

Thanks for letting me know that you still had to do rads. i think that was bugging me the most, it there had been a way to avoid it and it had not been offered.. But that is not really what happened. and the location was of concern as it was close to the nipple and close to the surface of skin on the top part, the 11 o'clock spot. Maybe that's why I feel the scar tissue.

The best product for healing is TIME. I know thats a lame answer, and not what you want to hear, but it's so true. If you can keep on going with your life, adding daily massages to your scar spot, add improved diet to gain immune support, and start or increasing your exercises to include arm stretching and be aware of your range of movement on that side. Be CAREFUL! Hold railings when on stairs, be a recovering person for a while longer than you think everyone expects. No offence, but screw them. Who knows you better than you? i say be careful, as after the trauma is over, the recovery can be a delicate time. when you go out, go a bit slower than usual. Watch for curbs, etc. Place your steps on purpose and avoid a fall. It's a matter of taking care of the whole you, not just your chest.

If you broken your leg, lets say a compound fracture, you'd expect to be in a cast for 6+ weeks, then PT for another 6 weeks, maybe, right?  This invaded your torso, it was cut and sewed up, Then the rads - to the whole breast? for 7+ weeks then add a boost?, Even if you give yourself 7 weeks to recover, that would be about the point where you would start PT on a broken bone, so, start some personal PT, or start some Phys. Therapy, or Psychotherapy, a support group?

Pleae understand that I am in a rambling mood today, not trying to tell you what to do.

I took a long time to recover, I'm still recovering.. That's my hesitation to going back to surgery for a reduction, it always takes me longer to recover than most. I just know it really helps to pamper yourself, and whatever that means for you, nows the time. Aroma therapy, walk in the woods, do what makes you feel good.

And, I'd love to hear about your drama. We have been swimming in that ourselves a LOT lately. ~C

~Connie

Hey - I agree with cookiegal - my case was possible due to the great big DDD boobs.  I mentioned up front that I had wanted to have a reduction, so with the lumpectomy "take what you need" and my BS said that oncoplastic surgery is the newest thing - although I did not have time up front to do this.  When my lumpectomy came back with 1mm clear margin and BS wanted a reexcision - I said fine BUT this time we bring in a plastic surgeon and have a bilateral reduction at the same time.  I had 30% of tissue removed and a lift .  Yes, I had rads afterwards.

Tkone on bc.org had a reduction after rads - I think a year afterwards and everything went well.  I think it is possible, but like cookiegal said - you need to find a surgeon who is confident and competent in doing this.  I think the post rad skin has some healing issues but reducing is not as difficult as expanding for an implant which I hear is almost impossible.  Connie - you are a couple of years out so I would think it would be a feasible option.  Send Tkone a PM and I am sure she will give you her info.

My BS also said that most PS are not comfortable up front with reductions and lumpectomies but it is becoming more and more common as I think the patients are more aware of options.

I was a D cup in the 8th grade. After three kids and some weight gain, they were DDs. Now, only the right side is a DD. There's no room to second guess now. The radiations done and done.

I could go for a matching pair of C's. I've decided that I'm going to go back to the PS that I visited and look at her book of pictures again. My therapist suggested that I find a picture of exactly what I want to look like and take that to the PS. And next mammogram time, I'll ask BS why she didn't offer the alternative. Even if she could have, then, she will make something up now. whatever.

Thanks!

~Connie

I had a lumpectomy In January  --  I now have one DD breast on one that is a full C/D .... anyone now where to get something to fill the gap .  Summer is on its way and I wont be able to hid it much longer. Thanks for any help.  I dont want surgery to fix the problem...my surgeon isnt convinced more biopsies arent in my future.  Just some padding will do, Ive looked but dont see anything in the stores that I think would work.

thanks ladies,

angie

Artistang - If you have insurance, you can get a prosthetic made just for you, for a reasonable co-pay. My ins got me one, and paid 80% on new and very nice bras with a pocket to contain it. They are available by special order from a shop that fits you. They also offer swim suits with the pocket so you can swim or wear a suit and not feel lopsided. Ask your BS for a referral.

Also, there's a lady in here that has a closet full of all kinds of BC garments... purplemb, she will send you something at no charge, just give her your size.

~Connie

Cookiegal and Connie - thanks so much for your responses   I appreciate them very much

SS - That doc, the one that squeezed the scar tissue... I would have screamed in his ear. DAMN, I thought about that all night long. He NEVER should have done that. Although, I liked the idea that he wanted to monitor your rads, I did NOT like the idea that he pinched.... There's just NO call for that. Scar tissue is generally painful all by its self, especially right at the nipple.

I'd be looking for a PS that is a LOT more gentle. screw him. 

~Connie