Hi There i’m scheduled if for a lumpectomy next week, i’ve been told my tumour is 29mm, i’m quite worried about how much of my breast they are likely to remove to get clear margins and if i should ask for a reconstruction at the same time, i’ve not had lots of time to think about it properly as i have been so busy at home and trying not to over think whats happening as my husband isn’t coping very well but now i have a date its all a bit real. I also wanted to know if i should by any particular bra for after my surgery other than it being underwired to keep me comfortable
Hi @mint ,
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Hi, I had a multi focal tumour so the area removed was quite large. I was given the choice of a mastectomy, mammoplasty or dieppe reconstruction. I was advised not to have a mastectomy with an implant reconstruction as I needed radiotherapy which can cause the implant to harden. Just having a lumpectomy would have left a large, unsightly defect in my breast because of the size of area removed. I agonised whether to have a mastectomy or a mammoplasty using what was left after the tumour was removed to reconstruct the breast and like you I was worried about the margins being clear. In the end I opted for a mammoplasty but the wait for the margin results was very stressful. My surgeon was excellent and really tried to ensure the margins were clear as further surgery would have meant having to stay off my rheumatoid medication for even longer. She said if they weren’t clear and I needed further surgery, I’d probably have to have a mastectomy as the size meant it was at the limit of taking clear margins. Luckily they were clear and I’m really pleased with the results - at first they said I could have a mammoplasty for symmetry on the other side at the same time but then they decided they didn’t want to risk any infection in case the margins weren’t clear and I had to have more surgery so now I’ve got to be relisted for that after I’ve had the radiotherapy. I am a lot smaller on the operation side which does show a bit but the breast centre have measured me for a small silicon prosthesis which fits in the pocket of post surgery bras or those soft bra tops with removable pads - it’s not arrived yet but the sample I tried evens things up until I can have the surgery on the other side. For the first 6 weeks post op you have to wear front opening post surgery bras day and night and you’re still quite swollen from the surgery. Perhaps if there’s going to be a big difference in size, you could ask if you could have a therapeutic mammoplasty and a mammoplasty for symmetry all at the same time - I would have if I could have!!
Hi @mint
wishing you all the best for your surgery and I’m sure the BCN will be in touch as they’ve said x
I had an 80mm tumour removed and I didn’t have reconstruction and in a bra you could hardly tell any difference to be honest (I’m a 34D). Bra wise I brought the ones from cancer research that fasten at the front they are so comfy, a little more expensive than some but well worth it x
Hope that helps x
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thanks its all quite a lot to get ya head round!
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Hi @mint,
Thanks for your post.
It sounds like a difficult time at the moment. At times like this it can help to talk to someone about how you are feeling and ask questions. You are welcome to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary.
It’s understandable you ask if you should speak to your team about having a reconstruction at the same time as your lumpectomy. As you feel worried about how much of your breast is likely be removed, it’s important you speak to your breast care nurse or breast surgeon about this. They will be best placed to advise based on your individual situation, and give you an idea as to what your breast will look like after surgery. They can also tell you if a breast reconstruction would be appropriate for your individual situation.
You may find our Bras after surgery health information helpful to read. Your surgeon or breast care nurse may advise you on what bra to wear depending on the type of surgery you have had. You don’t need to wear a specific post-surgery bra unless you are advised to. As @jeh1 and @loupy say a front fastening bra can be more convenient and comfortable whilst you are recovering.
You may find our upcoming speaker live sessions on the Emotional impact of breast cancer and Body image helpful.
You mention that your husband isn’t coping very well. He may be interested in our information about supporting someone with breast cancer. The organisation Maggie’s also provide support for people diagnosed with cancer and their family members.
We also offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
As mentioned, do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes,
Sonia
Breast Care Nurse
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As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.