Cause for concern - pain/size changes in reconstructed breast?

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TrixieBoo
TrixieBoo Member Posts: 17
edited January 2017 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Good day everyone! I am hoping I can get some feedback on some changes I have notices in the last few weeks; I try not to over-analyze every ache I have but this seems different to me. I figure there is no one better to ask than other survivors.

Background: Diagnosed June 2015 - TNBC, Stage 2A, Grade 3 (left breast). Neoadjuvant chemo (Taxol/Carbo, A/C) followed by bilateral mastectomy with lap flat reconstruction & implants. 8 nodes were removed. No rads. My last surgery was April 2016 (exchange for my jelly boobs).

The last few months I would get an occasional stabby pain on my left boob. Lately, it has developed into a general uncomfortable feeling that gets painful from any pressure. I have also noticed a size change - the left side has gotten a smidge larger and the shape of my boob is now visibly different that my right (to me, anyway).

My first reaction was that it could be lymphedema; I measured both arms from armpit to elbow and each side was pretty even. The skin bounced back on each side as well. I did some googling to see if lymphedema can impact the reconstructed breast only -- no arm or trunk swelling - but I didn't find anything.

Has anyone else had pain and size changes on a reconstructed breast? I am hoping it's nothing sinister but my mind can't help but jump to recurrence fears.


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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    Lola: Below is a great web site for lymphedema. I have truncal & breast LE so my arms measure just fine - SO FAR. I'm taking precautions to keep it from spreading. Looks like you had BMX and also node dissection surgery. Even if you only had serial node biopsies, you are still at risk for LE. And it can start anytime - even 10 or 15 years later. Hope this will help.

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


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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2017

    It very well may be LE, but you would be wise to report any changes to BS to be sure

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  • TrixieBoo
    TrixieBoo Member Posts: 17
    edited January 2017

    Thanks for the responses! I'll check out that site. I have a few upcoming appointments (March/April); if anything else changes I will get an earlier appointment.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    Kbee - oh no, I guess i neglected to say - see your doc. That's always my first response to anything so Lola, do check in with your doctor

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  • TrixieBoo
    TrixieBoo Member Posts: 17
    edited January 2017

    Yes, I decided to make an earlier appointment. If it is LE - which I am now suspecting after visiting that site - I'd like to get going with a specialist sooner rather than later.

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited January 2017

    Yes, my LE is mostly in my reconstructed flap breast. I complained for two years but my PS and BS did not take me seriously and said it could not be LE. After awhile my arm did eventually swell and my GP sent me for PT, who confirmed it was LE. Treatments were very helpful. Also, a different PS did a revision on my breast when I had the nipples done, and he removed a lot of necrosis from in the flap. Things are so much better now. Good luck to you.


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