I had a bilateral mastectomy with right side axillary clearance 12 months ago followed by rads on that side. I am left with what I think are called ‘dog ears’ on both sides, the right side being the worst. When I had my 12 month surgery check up my surgeon said she could remove these and tidy me up. Has anyone out there had this done? Is it worth another operation albeit a short one and only one night in hospital? It is a bit uncomforatable as when I wear my prothesis the lumps come out over the sides of the bra which cuts in right on the scar line. It doesn’t seem to matter what style of bra I wear, out it pops and hangs over. It also looks awful if I try to wear anything that is the least fitted. Some advice ladies please.
I cannot really help you about the surgery other than to say I had a right mastectomy and full clearance. I do not think I have dog ear the scar looks awful and not what I was shown by the bcn when first dx. ie a nice straight one. Mine looks like a sewing seam that has all been gathered together. I know what you mean about further surgery. It took me 4 months before my mastectomy wound healed and not sure if I can face that again. I would like a reconstruction but cannot face further surgery. It must be awful not to feel uncomfortable in a bra though especially in this hot weather. Have you asked how long an op it is and if there are any likely problems with the op.
I had mastectomy and SN removal and am left with a scar that has what I think you mean as dog ear on the end next to the other breast. It isnt large enough to stick right out but I can wear sports bras and other bras with the prosthesis in just makes it look like I have a cleavage so am not too worried about it.
I think it all depends on how you feel and what you think you could feel in the future. If its confidence building to have it done then I would have it done but if it isn’t likely to do anything for you then wait a while and then reassess in a few months time.
This is going to be how you feel about it but I do wish you all the best as I am going through self esteem and confidence issues at the moment and find strategies to get me back are working slowly and one of these is swimming with prosthesis.
I do hope that you feel better about this and can make a decision on what you want. An uncomfortable bra can get to you so easily as we have to walk and sit and it must be really annoying for you.
I wish you all the best and suggest you go get all the facts etc., and make an informed decision as to what you want.
I had mastectomy and full axial clearance and i have a dog ear. It makes it very difficult to sleep on that side (although i am not allowed now due to lymphoedema) and it gets cut in most bras, even mastectomy ones. I was told i could have an op to remove it. I will wait and see if recon is an option before deciding, I am just about to have radiotherapy after chemo.
Apparently, and this could be hearsay or urban myth, but i was told that the breast doctors left it because they didnt want to turn you on your side to finish it off properly.
Depending on how well endowed you are, the cheap bras advertised in newspapers, front loaders are quite comfortable.
Hi
Thanks for the advice able front loader bras being comfortable. I’m 5 weeks post mastectomy, and have had hells own job finding a bra that doesnt rub my scar.
In the end I bought some maternity sleep bras off the net, they are really good to wear as they are longer in the body. Mind you I’m looking forward to getting a heavier prosethis, this foam one is driving me mad. It seems to want to migrate up onto my shoulder!
Julia
i hadnt heard it called dog ears before, but i can see why. i too have the same problem, and it seems to be quite a large dog ear, as i have always had big busts. i too have been offered surgery, but dont feel i want it at the moment, enjoying not having treatment except the medication. i also have more of a problem because i have gone to a g cup, so all in all i too get a little bras-sed off.
i have found im looking at others breasts and even feel envious at times, i thought id done so well up to now. but it seems to be effecting me more, than before.
take care everyone. we have so much more going for us, will try not to let body image effect our self esteem.
It-the computer- has just chewed up and swallowed a profound message that I was trying to post!
Perhaps ‘it’ was trying to send me a message?
Ok, what I was trying to say was, by comparing ‘our’ new and different body shape, to every other woman, is settling ‘oursevles’ up to a very negative self image.
Pehaps I’m lucky, by having a totally positive attitude to my own image. My ‘fav’ bra rubs like hell, and the softie is working its way onto my shoulder. I know, but everyone else dont seem to notice. What really matters is you, your health and how you handle all of your problems.
I hope that this is posted, a bit radical, yes. Pig headed, yes. Selfish, yes. make you think, I hope so
Julia
I really started a discussion didn’t I? I can only say that I am very happy with my shape as it is, without breasts. I only wear my falsies when the clothes I want to wear would not look right without a bust, that is tight T-shirt and fitted dresses. Most of the time I am fancy free and boobless. It is so liberating. I am at ease in my skin and do not mind who sees my battle scars they are part of me.
I have just been given the all clear after having five different kinds of scans and numerous blood tests since February, I don’t have to go back to see my Consultant for six whole months. Yippee!!
Love to all you ladies
Nonny
Just wanted to say that I had 1 dog ear after my mastectomy and recon.
I had surgery to remove it and am really pleased that I did. As it was only 1 side I could choose to have a local aneasthetic and I had a nipple recon at the same time, so came home same day.
Mine would show as I am quite slim around the back, but getting it done has made a big difference to me.
Yes, he definitely said ALL CLEAR! At the moment that is, and long may it stay that way. I do have to go back in six months though. When do you start counting? Is it from when you finish treatment? If so I shall be 1 year at the end of this month. By the way what does NAD mean?
Love to all
Jennie