I had Breast Cancer, Stage 1 Invasive with ER and PR positive about 18 months ago. I had a Lumpectomy, Radiation, and was put on Ethemestane. I asked about a Breast reduction at the same time as a Lumpectomy, but my surgeon said no. I had Radiation for 5 days and got a terrible burn. The Radiation Oncologist said my radiated breast might shrink, but instead it is bigger and more swollen, 16 months after. She said the swelling won’t go down. It is difficult to find bras and I keep getting rashes.
I consulted a Plastic Surgeon yesterday. he said he would do a reduction, but my risk for infection is higher, and more complications for wound healing. I want the surgery, but am now afraid. Did anyone else have a Reduction after Radiation? What were the results? Thanks so much
Hello jeannej,
I cannot answer your question regarding surgery for breast reduction on your lumpectomy boob.
But what i can say is i too, have a swollen boob, its called odema, its where i believe if memory serves me correctly, lymphatic fluid has built up in the breast due to surgery and node removal, the lymphatic system in the breast is damaged. Radiotherapy didnt help either. I still have a swollen boob, but not as big or as painful, 4 years since surgery for me ( its quite a common occurrence apparently) .
With regards to bras, i buy my original size but in a full cup style with very little padding, the ones with lace to the top which have a more fitted feel for the smaller none surgery breast but accommodates the swollen quite well.
I wish you well on what ever you decide, but first please have another chat with your breast team before you make any final decisions.
Gentle hugs to you.
Hi Purplerose,
Thanks for your reply. I was told that I don’t have Lymphedema. I opted to skip the Sentinel Node Biopsy. I am 70 and am in a clinical trial. My surgeon is researching women age 65-70 skipping the Sentinel Node Biopsy if they are stage 1. I didn’t know that permanent swelling was common, so thanks for the info. If anything, I was expecting it to shrink, since they all told me that might happen. It is a big decision. Thanks for your feedback.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this; it’s a tough journey. My aunt had a similar situation. Her surgeon also warned about slow healing post-radiation, but the reduction was life-changing for her comfort. Finding a surgeon experienced with radiated tissue is the most important step. Feel free to inbox me if you want to chat more.
Thank you for your response. I decided to skip the Breast Reduction surgery. There would have been massive cutting all over my breasts. I had C Sections, which involved less cutting. I wish I would have done the surgery 30 years ago. I think the Edema in my left breast has decreased a little. I am now 27 months post Lumpectomy and Radiation. My bras are more comfortable now. I think it took a long time for my skin to recover from the Radiation burn.
My breast was also very red for a long time as well as a bit swollen after radiotherapy ( a cup size bigger ) I was told that if it didn’t go down that I would be referred to the Lymphoedema Nurse - but it has gone down and is now a cup size smaller than the other side. I was told to wear a very supportive bra which seems to be the opposite of what others have been told and I’m sure that helped. In some places only lymphoedema in the arm / hand seems to be being acknowledged so I can’t help wondering if you do actually have lymphoedema but confined to your breast and I’m pleased to hear that it’s gone down a bit. I was in my 50s when I had my treatment and I’m also on a medical trial . I was randomized for a vacuum assisted excision under local anaesthetic / radiological guidance with no sentinel node taken. My surgeon also said that if I didn’t opt for the trial he would do the lumpectomy without SNB if I wanted so I’m interested to hear that you were able to opt not out of that as well. My initial procedure failed and I had lumpectomy under GA and at that point I did have an SNB ( just one ) otherwise I would not have been able to stay on the trial . Wishing you well and hope that your situation continues to improve . Xx
Thanks Joanne. I think I did have minor Lymphedema in that breast for a while. I had to use cotton inserts in my bra under the underwire for about a year. I found them on Amazon. They are made for obese people with skin folds. I no longer need them. Apparently, the Clinical trial is goin well, meaning they will probably drop the age for skipping the SNL. Its good you don’t have side effects from that.
How are you feeling? I believe you decided to go off AI? Do you have more energy? I am trying to make it to the 2 and 1/2 year and then will go off. I may not make it. Thanks
I wore a bamboo sock under my breast I side my bra for a year which helped to protect my skin. My cancer was IDC tubular which rarely spreads outside of the breast and very small and early . I had to hit a lot of markers to be eligible for the trial but I was offered lumpectomy without SNB because of the early stage and type of cancer - I was 56 at the time but my consultant is quite progressive I think.
I’m well thank you, after stopping AI my side effects did go though it took quite a few months and I’m not sure my knees have been the same . It’s been 3 years though and I think my ER levels must have dropped again naturally as I’ve been experiencing slightly increased stiffness and my hair is receding again slightly but not like it was when I was on AI . It’s only to be expected really as I’m now 60 . But it’s a privilege to be here and well . Xx