Reconstruction after lumpectomy. Extremely uneven boobs.

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SpiritedSarah
SpiritedSarah Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with Stage II DCIS when I was 24 years old. Due to my age and the fact that I didn't have any known family history, my surgeon recommended a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Well I'm now 28 and 3 1/2 years out from chemo. In the time since radiation, my nice C-sized left breast has diminished to a teeny tiny A cup (not even a decent sized A cup). I've always had body image issues anyway so this on top of having had breast cancer at this age is killing me.

I really want to do something to correct this, but I'm not sure what to do. Most people I've asked about putting implants in the affected breast were adamantly against it, while others, including my oncologist, thought it was something we could get around in future mammograms. When I've asked about doing a reduction onthe right breast, I've had similarly mixed responses.

Can anyone share any insight or shed light on this issue and possibly some suggestions/personal experience? I'm becoming so desperate. It really has adversely affected my quality of life. My husband is amazing and always swears he loves my body and both of my breasts, that the massive size difference doesn't bother him, and I'm beyond thankful for that. But it's making me crazy.

I should also mention that since my normal hormones have kicked back in after chemo, my right breast has actually gotten even bigger as the left one has shrunken. So the size difference is at least 2.5 cups different, but can easily be 3 cup sizes. What would you do if you were in my boat?

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited June 2012

    SpiritedSarah, have you spoken to a plastic surgeon who does breasst reconstruction? That would be the person who could help you the most. I have read about women on these boards who have had surgery to correct this kind of problem.

    If you're uncomfortable with the way you look there's no reason for you to go through life like this!

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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  • SpiritedSarah
    SpiritedSarah Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2012

    @Leah - I have not spoken to a PS surgeon yet, but my original surgeon whom I still follow up with has recommended one to me.  I was just wondering what others suggest and wanted to gain as much information as possible for when I do have the consult.  And thank you for your encouragement.  I agree, there's no reason not to do something about this.  It's just a matter of a.) Is it worth ANOTHER surgery? b.) Will I be happy with the results? c.) What if my good breast just grows bigger again?

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  • bobsgirl
    bobsgirl Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2012

    I know exactly how you feel!  My breasts are 2+ cup sizes different.  My left breast (which I affectionately call the "Frankenboob") is distorted and a small C cup.  Essentially, the bottom third of my breast was removed just shy of the nipple, and it looks ridiculous.  My right breast is a full DD cup and as droopy as a 80 year old's.  It's insane!  So I decided to meet with a PS in February and I'm so happy I did.  He said I'm an "easy fix".  He plans to reduce the right side to a C and lift it.  He'll also slight lift the left breast.  My left will probably still look odd, but it should be better.  I'm so excited to wear a bra that fits both sides!!!!

     I'm not having surgery until the fall since I want to get my 3 older kids (ages 12, 9, and 6) back in school.  Then I only have to take care of my 2 1/2 year old, who is pretty independent.  He said the recovery should be quick and my lifting restriction will be no more than 20 lbs for 4-6 weeks.  Feel free to message me if you want to chat more.

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  • SpiritedSarah
    SpiritedSarah Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2012

    Wow, @bobsgirl - I am so encouraged by your reply.  It's so nice to know that I'm not the only in this crappy situation.  I think a lot of the problem is that my breasts have always responded to my natural hormones *significantly* more than the average woman's, so now that my cycles have returned a couple years ago, the good breast has grown as the damaged one has shrunken, adding to the dilemma.  So I'm just afraid that if I reduce the good one only that it will just get bigger again with my cycles.  I am going to talk to a PS soon, but was interested to hear some first-hand stories from women who've been there as well.

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  • radioactivegirl
    radioactivegirl Member Posts: 52
    edited June 2012

    I havent had my surgery yet as I am doing chemo first to shrink the tumor to make it easier to do a lumpectomy.  The plastic surgeon told me that once you have radiation you cannot do any "work" on that breast as it doesnt heal right.  So I would think the PS would recommend a reduction of the good breast.  

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2012

    Sarah- If you aren't interested in reducing the right breast another option is to do microfat grafting to the left.  During fat grafting they remove fat from the lower half of your body (thighs, hips or stomach) through liposuction and then graft it into the breast area.  In the past it was difficult to get the fat to be retained but they have really perfected it recently.  I had this done a year ago over my implants but they can use it on natural breasts as well.  The best part is the fat feels and looks just like breast tissue and some research shows it can even help improve and heal radiated skin.  I'll post some links to some threads with more information or feel free to PM me.

    The first one is called "Has anyone had micro fat grafting?"

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/747737?page=1 

    The second one is called "Microfat grafting or BRAVA doctor recommendations" where women have been listing their PS's who are doing this procedure.  Depending on where you live it can be tricky finding someone experienced.

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/769795?page=1 

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited June 2012

    There can be many options for breast reconstruction.  I had a bilateral mastectomies in 2008 and just last summer had bilateral DIEP reconstruction (tummy fat relocated). You can also do hip or butt flaps and from what I understand these are easier recoveries than for the DIEP. 

    I had major rads damage having had IBC (inflammatory breast cancer).  I did have some healing issues on the rads side but that side actually looks better than the non rads.  My surgeron was amazing, she was able to remove alot of my rads damaged skin.

    I would do a l lot of research & do what you feel would work the best for you. NJ 

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  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 528
    edited July 2012

    I am 18 months out from a lumpectomy and rads.  This time last year the breast looked great.  I have been working out and have gone from a size 16 to a 10.  The weight loss has shrunk my lumpectomy side.  Saw the onco surgeon today for my regular checkup and his office is setting me up an appt with a ps.  Will be interested in what the options are. 

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  • MrsT2012
    MrsT2012 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2012

    My surgery was on 7/31. I have always been well-endowed in the breast dept. and have been known to show cleavage--not inappropriately--Now my right breast is noticeably quite smaller. This has been so hard for me. I thank GOD this was found and it wasn't worse, but as a female with many years of self-esteem issues this is hard to deal with.                                    The radiation oncologist backed away from me at my appt Friday and says "Oh yes, it's much smaller now. After radiation it will get even smaller." That did not help!!  At 41 I guess I shouldn't care about it, my husband says he's not bothered by it so I should just drop it. I try to explain it's a "girl thing." I feel guilty because I know other women who have had much worse outcomes than 2 different cup sizes. What if I make the other one look worse by having surgery? My scar goes 4 inches from the nipple to 11 o'clock, the other scar is axillary so it can't be seen. I'm sure a ps isn't going to do a reduction using the same technique the surgeon did and give me 2 matching scars, but that's what I envision as a correction. I'm glad to see I'm not the only woman with the same feeling.Embarassed

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  • machy36
    machy36 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2012

    i think even size can be achieved by some unusual techniques.i think you should try as you have passion for attractiveness with your assets.let us discuss if you are interested

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  • machy36
    machy36 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2012

    hi i want to discuss more on this. pl PM me

    (Edited by Mods to remove member's personal email address. We strongly recommend that members only share personal contact information with those they know and trust, and by using the Breastcancer.org public message function)

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  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2012

    Had my post-rads reconstruction 8 days ago and so far am very happy! The good boob got a reduction and lift. The PS rearranged the "bad" boob so it is cylindrical, and also gave me a nipple. Obviously things are still healing, but I can already see how great it is going to look. My DH got a peak and he said, wow, what perky boobs you have (was pretty saggy before)! I'm starting to feel normal, i.e. not deformed! And btw, I think they are going to be very equivalent in size after all swelling goes down. My right, bad, one was always a little smaller than the left one, but I don't think that will be the case anymore.

    Best wishes for all undergoing reconstruction. Rads do NOT have to limit your options! 

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  • BBJJBB
    BBJJBB Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2012

    I have the issue with lopsided breasts since two lumpectomies on the right breast. It is alot smaller now and very noticable. In my opinion our journey is our own. Your feelings are valid. Someone else may have a different or more serious prognosis but it does not mean that your feelings are less valid. We all have unique experiences and that is why sharing on this site is so valuable. We learn so much from one another. My boyfriend doesn't see why it bothers me to have one breast smaller. But to a women it is an emotional issue. Here there is understanding and vaidation. Non of our emotions are trivial. I don't think I can put into words why I am bothered but I know all of you get it and in your own personal verying degrees. Thank you all for your stories.

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  • bobsgirl
    bobsgirl Member Posts: 19
    edited October 2012

    I finally can update this thread with my story!  I had reconstruction last Tuesday, 10/23.  My plastic surgeon did a lift on the left breast (radiated tissue) and a reduction/lift on the right side.  While recovery sucks, I'm so happy to have symmetry again! 

    The radiated breast reacted as he thought it would.  It was "tough" and responded "too well".  He only removed 11 grams of skin to do the lift, and it pretty much stayed where he put it.  He wasn't too happy about that, but it was what we expected.  I told him I was still happy since it looks like a normal breast again!  YAY!  Since it reacted that way, he actually lifted my right breast higher since gravity will make it fall over time.  In 6 days, it's already settled a bit, and I'm so pleased with the results. 

    I'm still a bit swollen and tender, but my drains are gone.  Also, my neck pain on my right side is gone as well.  I suspected it was because of the assymetry, and that was confirmed now.  Now that I'm not lop-sided anymore, I cannot believe I walked around like that for 18 months.

    I guess the big thing I want to say is what my PS told me right as i went into surgery:  It's ok to ask for symmetry again.  Just because we didn't lose an entire breast, we lost part of one and that is just as traumatic.  The world is not designed for women to have 2 different shaped breasts.  Clothing, swimsuits, bras.  They are all designed for 2 similar sized breasts.  He encouraged me to be open and honest about why I chose reconstruction for a lumpectomy. 

    LOVE my PS!

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