I know I am probably being neurotic but having had breast cancer followed by a mastectomy and now a LD breast reconstruction I am now getting obsessed with examining my breasts. How do you check a LD reconstructed breast that has an implant? The scar has little lumps in various places but the whole breast feels lumpy.
Anyone else in this situation or can anyone advise. Sorry to be so anxious but my mind goes into over drive the moment I feel a slightest bump.
Hi abcde
Like you I have one breast which was done as an immediate recon at the same time as my mastectomy, using the back muscle, but small boobs so no implant needed.
I was of the understanding that because the recon is from the back muscle, it is unlikely to develop cancer, although I could be completely wrong of course!
When I went for the annual mammogram, only my unaffected breast was tested.
I will be interested to hear any comments.
Love Deborah xx
I am so pleased you have asked this question.I have been wondering myself lately. You are certainly not nuerotic.
I get lumps that come and go in my reconstructed breast and I started a post only last night because I found a lump which seemed to appear during one day and ‘popped’ when pressed.
I am curious what type of surveillance can be done, especially for those placed of high risk of BC or recurrance. I do not believe the risk of CA is in the transplanted tissue, but I am under the impression that not every breast tissue cell is removed during a mastectomy and therefore it is in those remaining cells.
Hopefully by this post being brought to the top someone will know the answer or have experience.
Jackie,
I found a lump in my reconstructed about a year after my op. It felt very near to the surface. The GP said he thought it was the implant, but sent me to the breast clinic anyway. I had the breast scanned, and the radiographer confirmed that the lump was actually part of the implant squeezing through from behind the muscle. I asked how would I know if it happened again - ie whether it was implant or something more serious - and what should I do. I was told that they did not expect me to self-diagnose, and that it is always best to report anything to the clinic. Have had no incidence of any other lumps since.
Thank you everyone - I feel a whole lot better just knowing I have shared my anxiety. I will ask my breast care nurse to check out the tiny lump I can feel just above the scar.
Thinking of you all and am so glad that this forum exists! xx
Hi i was told i would only have mamogram in future on the other breast so i take it it wont come back but you read on here lots of people do have it back. so what are we supposed to do… i look forward to reading answers. have a gt evening
xx julie xx
Hi everyone, i,m new to the site. Am considering reconstruction. Had mastectomy Aug. 2006, followed by chemo.
My questions are: area where had mastectomy still quite sensitive to touch - is this normal. Also seen p.s. Mr. Baildam.
Anyone know anything about him? Thanks girls. Would appreciate your reply,
Ann x
I had LD recon in 2004 and in 2006 felt a lump and it was back…in the tissue on top of the muscle - I have an implant too. So more surgery and then rads (which I didn’t have at dx, only chemo)
Three weeks ago I was back with more “issues” and now have Paget’s Disease. I feel very angry that none of this was explained to me in more detail at the initial dx, as I was given the impression that having a LD recon you could be VERY unlucky to have any further problems. But then I know of women who have had this op and had no problems at all, but I’ve never been able to use my right arm as I used to.
Get my MRI results on Wed, and then date for surgery for the Paget’s - really really feel hacked off with it all at the moment.
Karen
Karen I am so sorry to hear about all your problems. Let me know how it goes. I understand how you are feeling. Thinking of you.
Hi Karen,
I have posted below the link to the BCC publication on Pagets Disease. Hope it helps. You are welcome to call the helpline nurses who will talk to you about Pagets if you wish. The number to call is 0808 800 6000, lines open again this morning at 9am till 5pm tonight.
breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=704
Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator