I’m due to have a central lumpectomy on Monday. I have a small grade 1 tumour but I’ve been told I will lose my nipple as there isn’t enough margin to save it. There was a passing reference to reconstruction at my consultation, but no decision on radiotherapy or chemo as yet, so it will be at a point in the future if it is possible.
I am really struggling to get my head around what I will be left with. The one person I know of who has had a central lumpectomy managed to have her nipple reattached.
2 Likes
Hello,
I had a central lumpectomy and lost my nipple as my lump (or what was left of it because I had chemo first) was right behind my nipple. I kind of knew this would be the case from the start but I will still gutted when it was confirmed.
I have to say my scar is very neat and I really haven’t lost much in terms of volume. I basically have my normal boob just without the nipple. You cannot tell any difference in my bra/clothes. I know it’s hard but having spoken to other ladies who had different lumpectomies they actually have lost a lot more boob than me and it does impact what they wear etc.
I was offered nipple tattooing about a year after I finished radiotherapy but haven’t went down that route yet. Have researched it a bit and they can do amazing things but it’s just not for me at the minute and possibly might never be.
Sending very best wishes- Happy to help if you’ve any further questions 
1 Like
Thank you for taking the time to reply. That is really helpful. I have been working myself up because of the unknown. X
Totally understand! It will take time to come to terms with it as well- I’m over 2 years out from surgery and still processing it all but honestly I think my surgery was actually best case scenario for me, cosmetically speaking.
Also just to reassure you lumpectomy surgery itself was so much easier recovery wise than I expected! I had a full lymph node removal at the same time and it was the issue not the boob itself!!
1 Like