Lumpectomy--what does this usu look like?

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swg
swg Member Posts: 461
edited September 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I have stage 1 IDC and will be getting a lumpectomy in about a month.

I'm a model/actress, and I do pose naked a lot..so I'm very concerned what my breast is going to look like, post-surgery. My tumor is just above my nipple. (I guess they call that the 12 o'clock position).

I'm a bit concerned about whether or not I'll still be able to model, or if my breast will be misshapen/assymetrical, etc.

I'd love to hear people's experiences.

thx

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  • Bosombuddy101
    Bosombuddy101 Member Posts: 182
    edited September 2017

    I think a lot of it will depend on the skill of the surgeon and how much breast tissue has to be removed to obtain clear margins. In my case there was a huge amount of breast tissue taken out, even though my tumor was only 2.5 cm and lo and behold, the margins ended up being very close anyway. I wasn't very big to begin with and the lumpectomy created a noticeable difference in size compared to the other breast. The incision was made along the nipple and some of the areola was affected and looked really bad. There is no delicate way to say this but my breast looked deformed. I don't know if there is any way you can get a plastic surgeon involved in the process considering your career as a model and posing nude.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited September 2017

    It also depends on the size of your breasts. If you have large breasts and a little tumor, it might not be very noticeable at all. Since your career is involved, Bosum's idea of getting a plastic surgeon's input sounds like a good one.

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  • swg
    swg Member Posts: 461
    edited September 2017

    Thanks. Oh boy, I wonder what my health insurance will think about that.. I'm on ACA insurance..

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited September 2017

    Can it be covered if it is for work related, not cosmetic, purposes? I would emphasis that with whomever you need to talk to.

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  • swg
    swg Member Posts: 461
    edited September 2017

    Good point! I'll look into it.

    I've been getting assistance from the people at Living Beyond Breast Cancer. They might be able to advise me. Thanks!

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