Hi - just wondering if anyone has had surgery on the breast unaffected by breast cancer ? I had a therapeutic mammoplasty last October 21 after diagnosis of Rt Early breast cancer in Sept . All healed well but left breast is larger and not symmetrical. I am doing my breast surgeon in October so will ask advice as I think I would like to have surgery … what do people think . I would appreciate any advice . Thank you .
Hi SallySunflower13
Thank you for posting. Many women who have had surgery for breast cancer find that their breasts are different sizes, and not symmetrical following their operation.
It’s good to hear you are seeing your breast surgeon in October, and they will be best placed to advise on whether surgery to the unaffected breast would be possible to help achieve some symmetry. Having this type of surgery (known as breast reduction) usually leaves some scarring around the nipple and areola, down the central part of the breast and along its underside. This isn’t noticeable when wearing a bra and will usually fade over time. There may be less feeling and sensation in the breast and nipple.
Whether this surgery is offered will also depend on the capacity of the hospital and in some cases the funding available.
While you wait to speak to your surgeon you may want to consider a partial prosthesis on your operated side.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can be helpful and you have asked if anyone has had surgery to the unaffected breast. Our Someone Like Me service can arrange for one of our volunteers who have had this to talk to you by email or telephone. Our volunteers have had a personal experience of breast cancer and are trained to provide support.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0345 077 1893 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org,so they can then match you to your volunteer.
If you would like to connect with other women to find out about their experiences you can do this on another section of the Forum.
You may be interested in our resources that are particularly for those who have come to the end of their main hospital treatment. These are known as our Moving forward services and include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
The courses are open to people who have had a primary breast cancer diagnosis and have finished their hospital-based treatment within the last two years.
You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.
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. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form . Ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We will be closed on Monday 29 August due to the bank holiday.
Best wishes
Carolyn
Breast Care Nurse
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