Life after wle/quadrantectomy/partial mastectomy-Partial prosthesis or reconstruction/reduction?

[Poppyfields]

Hi, I'm 3 weeks post surgery but it was at the 2 week mark that it just seemed to deflate overnight!!

I'm going to look at partial prosthesis options that may work with my current bras. I'm still wearing a sports bra at the moment.

I guess radiotherapy may effect your boob further.
I wish you well with your treatment.

I'll probably start experimenting in the next couple of weeks with some bikini top inserts I've got and see if they are a workable short term solution.
I don't want to spend alot of money on a prosthesis if it's still going to shrink over the forthcoming weeks!!

Let me know if you come up with any ideas!!

Take care and best wishes
Xx

[Corrina]

Hi Poppyfiel

Really pleased that the surgeon will consider this for you. I had a lumpectomy 2wks ago and already think it looks smaller than my other boob and I will need radiotherapy which may shrink the boob that I had the lump taken out of even further so I would like to think at the end of all this if Im not happy that they cold shrink the other one down to match . I had been offered breast reduction at the same time as my lumpectmy surgery but turned this down as felt I wanted to prioritise getting rid of the cancer without extra surgery at that point. main thing is though that we both stay well ..good luck with everything Take care of yourself. youve been through a lot!

[Poppyfields]

Hi, thanks for taking the time to respond. My surgeon said yesterday when he gave me my (good!!) results that i should wait a year for it to settle down before considering any surgery so that is what i will do.

Many thanks and best wishes. 

Xx

[poppyj]

The best person to ask about equalising your breasts is your surgeon as he/she will be able to give you all the facts. As to age playing a part, I don't believe it is relevant - it is your general health and fitness that will be taken into consideration, after all we all want the best result possible as this will aid with recovery and self-esteem.

[BonitaE_BCC]

Hi Poppyfields,

Thank you for your post and I am sure some of our users will be along to share their experiences with quadrantectomies and show their support soon. 

In the meantime you can always post on our Ask the Nurse board or call our helpline on 0808 800 6000, who will be able to talk you through any questions you have and offer a friendly ear. The opening hours are below:

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Wednesday, 9am-7pm
Saturday, 9am-1pm

Best wishes, 

Bonita 

[Poppyfields]

Hi. I had a quadrantectomy 3 weeks ago and I'm just beginning to see what I'm going to be left with. My boob has a dent and is generally now smaller than the other one.
It wasn't known until the time of surgery that so much tissue was going to be removed.

I'm seeing my surgeon on Thursday for my pathology results and now ofcourse on my list of things to talk to him about is what options are there for my shrinking boob.

I've been reading abit about reconstruction and reduction of the healthy boob but I'm wondering at what point people consider more surgery. I mean how much smaller does the affected boob need to be to make it worthwhile rather than perhaps wearing a partial prosthesis? I realise that everyone is different and age will be relevant.

I've tried on a couple of my bras this morning and I would need a prosthesis to fill it out properly.

How long does it normally take for the effected boob to reach its final size and shape? Weeks, months?
Are there any specific questions I should be asking at this stage?
Thanks for listening, as I said I wasn't expecting to be in this position and do feel abit un prepared.

Best wishes all.
Xx