lopsided
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Hi, I just had a lumpectomy on Friday and I am feeling very lopsided. I was a 44c before surgery and my affected breast looks to be a sadly mis-shapen 36b now. My surgeon spoke to my husband post-op and said she had to take a lot more than she had hoped, but that it should look alright with the right clothes. I wear very lightweight clothing because of the heat here in south Texas and usually sleeveless. I only own about two tops that are loose button down types and seldom wear them because they are too warm for me. So what options are there that are comfortable and inexpensive for women like me that have one large breast. It sounds like a lot of the women posting were rather small to start with or something and a loose top was all it took to disguise the difference. Don't think that will work for me.
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haykat57, I had the same problem after my lumpectomy. The surgeon basically told me the same thing. I ended up having a mastectomy but until then I wore loose tops with short sleeves because the difference was pretty noticable. Made for an uncomfortably warm summer.
I have seen on threads that some ladies are using "partial prostheses" to fill out the smaller side. Also saw that some have used the gel "bust enhancers" (a kind of bra insert?) from the Wal-mart lingerie. I hope that someone else comes along soon and has more suggestions. God Bless. ~S
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txgrlo1,
you're the one I want to talk to because I have been thinking about doing a masectomy now that I have seen the results. I was actually saying I wanted a masectomy until all 3 of my onco drs said lumpectomy should do. But now I have to have radiation and I'm so uneven. How long before you had the masectomy and did you still do radiation?
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haykat57,
Sorry you're faced with this difficult problem. Enhancers are an option, but be aware that most good ones are made of silicone, which can be very sweaty when worn against your skin over your natural breast. Some women have few problems, others (like me) can't stand the feeling. Also, if you're having radiation, you'll need to wait until that's finished and your skin has recovered before putting silicone against it. There are some partial breast forms made of foam that you might try--not as natural-feeling as silicone but more comfortable and light.
Regarding a mastectomy, that is an alternative and might give you more peace of mind. One thing to consider, though. After radiation, you won't be a good candidate for implant reconstruction (radiated skin doesn't stretch well and is more likely to form excessive scar tissue around the implant, leading to a condition called capsular contraction). If by having a mastectomy you could avoid radiation, then you probably would be able to have an implant. Your reconstruction alternative would be a flap using tissue from your tummy, buttocks, or back.
Even if you're not interested in reconstruction, you still might be better off leaving well-enough alone and using an enhancer. If the silicone bothers you, you could probably use a pocketed mastectomy bra for it. I suggest you go to a certified mastectomy fitter. They're trained to help women in your situation as well as women who have had mastectomies.
Another option would be a reduction of your good breast. Then you'd be smaller breasted on both sides and might be more comfortable during the hot Texas summers.
Barbara
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I'm guessing if you're a 44C that you're a big girl. A mastectomy might leave you with a odd shape?
http://www.janacsportswear.ca/
This place sells an enhancer that isn't silicone. The form is filled with little pellet-type things, which seem cooler. You might look into that.
I think a visit to a mastectomy bra filler is an excellent idea. Some really big percentage of women aren't wearing the right sized bra, and it's possible you can be less lopsided with a professional fitting.
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I would go for the mastectomy to avoid radiation, if that were a possibility. You could have reconstruction and a reduction of the other breast.
It seems to me that many women who do a lumpectomy with radiation end up with a mastectomy down the road. Then there are complications from having had the radiation and the way it affects the skin and tissue. Most of the women, I know, with lymphedema are the ones who have had radiation.
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