I had LD reconstruction 9 years ago. About 5 years ago I got a lump in the reconstruction checked and it was fat necrosis. Since then I’ve felt a change in quite a bit of the reconstruction. It feels quite firm and a bit tighter towards my arm pit. It’s always been tricky to check as I don’t feel I know it but this firmness feels different and it feels like its in sections rather then one piece if that makes sense. Should I be worried? I’ve already decided to not have any further treatment if it is a recurrance. My partner who got me through it last time has since died and I can’t do it without him.
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Hello @Bloom firstly, yes please, do get it checked. Regardless of your decision about treatment, if you dont get it checked you are missing an opportunity to be told everything is ok and save yourself a lot of worry. I am by no means an expert but ive done a lot of reading on reconstructions recently as I have decisions to make about my own mastectomys, and I read that sometimes the lining in and around the reconstructions can change over time and become harder in texture than we are used to. A bit like scar tissue. And sometimes this can take years. I’m not suggesting this is whats happening to you, only that the changes could be any number of things. Get it checked 
for your own peace of mind
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Yes, please get it checked.
I’ve just got some lumpy scar tissue checked four months post successful lumpectomy and it has indeed tested positive for cancer, despite all expectations that it wouldn’t.
I’m not saying this will be the case for you and it would be your decision whether or not to have further treatment if it was a recurrence but the fact that you’re posting here shows that you care about this change so I’d at least get the info, to echo @foxgem, for your own peace of mind.
Best of luck. x
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so sorry for your loss. Please do go and get checked so you can have peace of mind one way or another, no ones knows your body like you do and you feel a change so always best to get checked out. Sending 
Shi
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Hi @Bloom ,
Thanks for posting.
We’re sorry to hear that your partner has died, you might find this bereavement support helpful.
Breast changes such as the firmness and tightness you can feel in your reconstructed breast, can several reasons, including fat necrosis which you’ve previously experienced or other benign conditions (not cancer).
As @foxgem, @mssteel and @Shi all say, it’s important that you get it checked out. As you’ve noticed this change, we would always suggest make an appointment with your GP to be assessed. It’s not uncommon to be referred back to your breast team for further assessment if needed.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Vic
Breast Care Nurse
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