Topic: I didn’t know I could have recon w/lumpectomy

ReeneS

I  had a "chunkpectomy" on my left a "two lumpectomies" on my right side.  I look lopsided and I am only a B-cup. I was told the radiation may cause the remaining tissue to shrink.  By that time, I am probably down to two wrinkled prunes.  My PS told me I am eligible for reconstruction, just needed to wait six months from the end date of my radiation treatments.  I can understand how you feel about not wanting your husband to see you.  I feel the same way.  Good luck with your reconstruction. I hope it all works out for you.  It is all about feeling normal again.  It has nothing to do with vanity.  It is about your mental well being and how good you feel about yourself. 

Renee - I had a bilateral reduction with a reexcision when the first lumpectomy did not get enough margin.  This was covered by insurance due to symmetry - after the 2nd lumpectomy it was necessary.  This included a lift too by the way - I was a DDD and will end up a D I think (I just finished radiation). 

You should not have a problem with your insurance - and the lift included - I consider this my silver lining.

Good luck!

Thanks ladies.  So true on the "silver lining."  I had requested a bi-lat-mast when I found out I had cancer but my Dr refused.  I wanted them gone thinking the chance of recurrence would go with them.  I'm so glad I didn't now; I would rather not have had implants.

If my radiologist hadn't mentioned it i never would have known I had the option.  I'm so happy.  On the other hand I thought I was finished and can finally move on with my life. 

Hugs everyone.

The biggest issue I read about with lumpectomy reconstructions is infection. It seems to be a problem when working with radiated tissue.

 I would look for a PS who has experience working with radiated breasts and ask him what he does to reduce the risk of infection and what his failure rate is. Be watchful for slippery answers.

It's wonderful when it all works out, but the results of lumpectomy reconstruction complications take a long time to recover from. One gal I knew was going in for IV antibotics for weeks and three surgeries later ended up with a lat flap. Another gal ended up with a wound vac, which is not something that is any fun.

So take your time and find someone who acknowledges the risks and has a viable plan!

I had a lumpectomy over 3 years ago followed by 4 rounds of tac chemo and a month of radiation. At the time ,reconstruction never entered my mind. I was focused on beating this disease and trying to get my life back together.  Three years later everything is back to normal..I look almost like my old self (except for the left operated side) although to anyone else they would not notice a thing. Now I am ready for reconstruction.....I will be having silicone gel implants with a lift on the good side. Can you beleive that I always wished that I was bigger and actually considered breast augmentation before I got b.c. Well guess what girls............I am going to go bigger and really make something positive out of this dreadful situation...... I went to see a few P.S. and finally settled on the one that specializes in b.c. patients. I feel that he better underdstands the challenges we may be facing re the radiation. I have spoken to all my drs about this(oncologist, surgical oncologist) and they both said go for it. I do not have to be afraid that the implants will mask anything as I will have yearly MRI's.....I only hope that I do not have any capsular contraction or any other problems..........it's my time now and I want to be healthy, happy and enjoy a full B rack of perfectly alligned perky breasts......

Aprilgirl...you crack me up.  I haven't passed the pencil test since I was 20.

RoseG....excellent points.  I have appointments with 3 highly recommended surgeons next week and all of them can fit me in at the end of November.  That never crossed my mind to ask about the experience with radiated breasts.  This is why I lean on your girls.

I do need to slow down and consider all my options but I really need to fit this in this calendar year since I've already met my deductible.  I'm tired of being a drain on my family during a recession.

Unkelzwifeo.....what happens if you change insurance in between?

HA!  Pencil test - trust me, haven't passed one since 20 at them most - and that is about when I heard about them.  At a DDD I could have smuggled a box of pencils...

Happy to hear that you have some appts lined up, and good idea to try and fit it in this year for the insurance deductible.

Go Ducks!

 April

I swear I think Cosmopolitan magazine made it up....

Aprilgirl, are you a Duck fan or even a football fan?

My youngest daughter dates Ed Dickson (tight end).  No one else knows this but he's going to propose to her during the last home game on the field.  I'm so excited to have him as part of our family.  I'm trying to work my surgery around it and my family keeps asking why the last game is so important to me. 

Don't mention this online anywhere.  I hate to blow the surprise.

Hi Renee,

Just a couple other things on here.  Make sure you get a Plastic Surgeon that has dealt with radiated tissue before.  I waited almost exactly 6 months after I finished radiation to have my reduction and lift and had no problems. 

Make sure you talk to your surgeon about any lymph nodes that you had removed as well-you don't want any additional complications due to surgery. 

I am symmetrical, and smaller (went from two letters waaaaay down the alphabet to a nice solid D).  I do not need to wear a bra since they actually sit on my chest instead of on my stomach.  My oncologist is insanely jealous and says it is one of the best reconstructions she has seen.  I am soooooo glad that I did it.

I had lumpectomy in August and am undergoing chemo. I am considering whether to avoid radiation and get mastectomy/reconstruction instead. The affected breast was bigger than the other, it still it, but there is an indentation @ the 3 o clock position that is probably never gonna go on its own.

What do the gals here advice?

Great to hear the success stories as I have my surgery Nov 23.  My radiation oncologist recommended the PS and insisted I go with someone who specializes in breast reconstruction and cancer patients.  They have different techniques for different kinds of defects.  Since I'm larger breasted (C) he recommended the lift on both sides for symmetry.  Good luck.  He told me the entire thing will be covered by insurance.  I will have a co-pay though.

I am so glad to have found this thread-I had a lumpectomy on 11/25/08-no nodes, clear margins, had 4 rounds of chemo and radiation--- 

because my lump was at 5 o'clock- there is no visible scarring- and even the scar that is there is barely noticeable.  However, I am still a d cup and am thinking that my breasts are so dense that maybe a reduction (the right is a little smaller than the left, but it is hard to see unless you are me!) is in order.  Do they do that sort of thing?  Would I be able to get a breast reduction as part of this? any info would be helpful!

Hi Ladies, I had my lumpectomy in Sept and am going thru rads right now, but I am very intersted in finding out more about lumpectomy reconstruction - from what you all are posting it looks like I will need to wait at least 6 months after rads. For those of you that have had the reconstruction and a lift - does a lift mean the nipple has to be moved? and if so does that mean you loose feeling there? Appreciate any info.

Anyone heard anything about the clinical trials being done where fat is removed from another part of your body, treated and then injected into the lumpectomy indentation. I have read trials are happining now and will be completed in March 2010.