Are breast changes Post reconstruction normal after 1 year?

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IDartist
IDartist Member Posts: 40
edited June 2017 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I was DX with stage 1 BC in 2012 deep in my left breast and was only found with mammogram. I opted for A DM due to dense breast tissue, high risk with 5 women in my family DX with BC. 3 of them died from it.

I had direct implants placed in January 2013 with no issues. I had revision surgery in January 2016 to exchange implants because they dropped and didn't fit my body. They are sub glandular.

14 months PO, I have noticed a slow, very small increase in the size of my left breast. As I look down at my breasts, the left one looks like it projects out a tiny bit more than the right. Maybe a tiny bit fuller. Haven't had any problems since surgery, saw my OC 2 Mos ago and was cleared on good blood work, exam, etc. No warmth, foobs are always cold.

I know breast size can change, especially after reconstruction. Is there anything else that could cause my left breast to change/swell a little 1 year after my reconstruction? Trying not to freak out about a recurrence, but worried about inflammation from a tumor growing.

Any insight, personal experience or information would be appreciated!

Thank you!

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited May 2017

    You could have an MRI? I had a false positive light up on my last MRI. My onco was sure it was a reoccurrance since my diep was done 5 years earlier. He thought it was unheard of to have fat necrosis after all that time but that is what it was. I had to have a biopsy.

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  • gotfaith
    gotfaith Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2017

    Does your left breast feel tighter than normal? I developed capsular contracture gradually over a 1+ year following my reconstruction. This is when scar tissue forms around the implant and for some reason, begins to contract. There are 4 stages. It is uncomfortable and changes the shape of the breast. I have to have one implant removed and then the scar tissue removed. Hopefully not the case for you, but thought I'd throw it out there...

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  • IDartist
    IDartist Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2017

    Thank you Meow13, I appreciate your input. I know there are a number of things it could be instead of a recurrence. But as you know, it is kind of a scary time when you don't know.

    I will keep an eye on it and call my doctor if I see anymore changes!



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  • IDartist
    IDartist Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2017

    Thank you Meow13, I appreciate your input. I know there are a number of things it could be instead of a recurrence. But as you know, it is kind of a scary time when you don't know.

    I will keep an eye on it and call my doctor if I see anymore changes!

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  • IDartist
    IDartist Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2017

    gotfaith,

    I am not sure because I have had 2 reconstruction surgeries on my breasts and I can't tell what feeling is what. I do feel and see a spot on my outer left implant that is slightly protruding. I asked my Oncologist about this 2 years ago when I was freaking out over the bump and she told me it wasn't a tumor, it was the implant and she didn't know why they did that. That was before my 2nd revision and I still have it now.

    It feels a little large to be a fat necrosis, but I also have no idea what they feel or look like.

    I see my Oncologist in September, so if I don't see any further changes, I will ask her when I see her.

    Thank you for your insight!!


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