Stressed re single breast reconstruction and exercise

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Catdreamer
Catdreamer Member Posts: 5
edited August 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

I am an artist who makes copper enamel sculpture and jewelry. Which means I spend hours hammering, folding and drilling copper sheet metal. In addition, I am very active, cardio, weights, running, camping, hiking and (hopefully soon) backpacking.

When I was originally diagnosed, I just had two small IDC masses close together in my left breast and was told I was an excellent candidate for lumpectomy. But, my MRI showed two more masses that were confirmed with a followup ultrasound. Now we are looking at masses spread over a space approximately 8 centimeters wide. So, now lumpectomy is out. The cancer is only in the left breast with no sign of lymph node spread. I am considered low risk for recurrence. So, there is no need to do anything with the other breast.

My immediate reaction was reconstruction. But, In reading, I have seen comments about muscle weakness, cut muscles, and leaking implants. At this point I have not yet met with a plastic surgeon (hopefully next week). And I have been told I will get all kinds of education.

My current bra size is 34D, if that matters.

Having one breast removed feels like it would be weirder and weirder feeling than having both breasts gone. Of course, I am not going through that, so what do I know?

Honestly, I am having more stress about reconstruction vs going asymmetrical than I did about the cancer diagnosis.

Any thought comments or information would be appreciated.

Catdreamer


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Comments

  • reflect
    reflect Member Posts: 576
    edited August 2017

    Hi Catdreamer, I'm sorry you find yourself dealing with these choices--none of them are "good", right? I felt exactly the same as you describe. I went around and around and finally decided to do the least invasive thing to begin with, and not worry about anything else until later (if ever). I relaxed a lot after deciding that.

    It sounds like you must have a mastectomy, anything else is optional. Your plastic surgeon will have lots of input, but if you want to postpone and keep options open for the future, the PS will likely want to leave a lot of skin when you have your Mx. That may be the minimum you need to do to preserve your health and keep recon options open.

    Sending you healing wishes and peace!


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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited August 2017

    I'm also active, and have traditional under the pec muscle implant reconstruction. I have found absolutely no issues with most activities. (In fact, things like running are easier on my chest as there's practically no bouncing! :)) The only thing I've had to adjust is heavy pec exercises like pushups and bench presses. Some women have no trouble with them, but I found the exercises to be moving the implants in a way that was going to cause problems if I kept it up. I just switched to isolated arm exercises instead. There is also DIEP recon if you have enough tissue available (I didn't), or over the pec implants, which is gaining popularity but wasn't available where I live. No matter what type of recon you have, just remember to start back slowly and let yourself fully heal.

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