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dsil
dsil Member Posts: 7
edited June 2016 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I was diagnosed in August 2009 with Stage 1 breast cancer.  Tumor was less than 1 cc.  I had a lumpectomy with 4 nodes removed and all were clear.  Followed by 30  rad treatments and now on Arimidex for 5 years.  I'm 58 years old.  I'm doing very well but for the different boob sizes.  I was normal on both sides before this happened but now the "sick boob" is a cup size bigger than my other side.  It's noticeable in clothes and is really starting to bother me.  I'm slender which doesn't help!  Anyway, my doctors say there is nothing that can be done but I feel that I could solve this problem with surgery.  Either make the "bad boob" smaller or the other one bigger.  Which ever works best!  My doctors say to just use padding and go on but I don't want to.  In this day and age there has to be a better solution.  I really wanted to have a mast. done but my doctors talked me into this because it would keep my natural look better.  Ha! Ha!  Big joke on me.  If anyone can give me some advice on how to proceed with this problem, it would be so appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

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  • lionessdoe
    lionessdoe Member Posts: 780
    edited February 2011

    Please check out lymphedema of the breast under the lymphedema discussion forum.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2011

    Gorgeous cat, Debra! Looks regal -- bet he's the boss...Laughing

    How about a referral from any one of your doctors to a well-trained lymphedema therapist for evaluation? If it's breast lymphedema (which is fairly common following lumpectomy and rads) then surgery sure isn't going to fix it and could make it worse. But a good therapist can reduce the swelling and help you keep it that way. Here's a page about breast lympedema (it's actually called "truncal" lymphedma):

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    And here's one about how to find a well-qualified lymphedema therapist near you:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Because stagnant lymph fluid is a very high infection risk, do watch for redness, heat to the touch, new swelling or pain, and get help at once.

    Sure hope you can get good answers and help real soon!

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • LindaKR
    LindaKR Member Posts: 1,577
    edited February 2011

    Lymphedema therapist is what I would suggest also - lymphedema doesn't just effect your arm - there is truncal lymphedema also, which can effect the breast, chest wall, under arm area and upper back.   Make sure that whoever you are referred to is a certified lymphedema therapist!!!!!

    Linda

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