Pregnancy after breast cancer

FormerMember over 3 years ago

1 reply
43 subscribers
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Hello, I wonder if you can help with something.

I was diagnosed with cancer in my left breast in 2012, had some lymph nodes removed for testing and then a wide local excision. After chemo, radiotherapy and herceptin, I was discharged and all has been fine since. Quite a large amount of breast tissue was removed but I'm quite small-chested anyway and thought it wasn't worth opting for reconstruction.

Now, 10 years later, I'm pregnant with my first child. My unaffected breast is getting bigger, more tender etc but nothing is happening to the left breast, and I have a few concerns. Firstly, why is this - would it be related to the removal of a few lymph nodes or having less breast tissue, or both? Is it normal for this to happen? Will I struggle to breastfeed?

Also, this is the first time I've started to look noticeably "lopsided" and it's affecting my confidence. Can you recommend somewhere I can buy a good prosthesis? I assume I've missed my chance to have reconstruction on the NHS.

Sorry - that's a lot of questions. Thank you in advance for your help.

Suzanne - Macmillan over 3 years ago

Welcome to the online community and thanks for getting in touch with us today.

It’s good to hear that you have been well since you finished treatment for breast cancer.

It’s also understandable that you may have a whole host of emotions and concerns during your pregnancy, so good that you have reached out for information and support.

In relation to your breast changes, a lot depends upon the exact nature and extent of your surgery. You are right in thinking though that the removal of tissue from your breast may have an impact on your ability to breast feed from that side.

Often, after a lumpectomy or wide local excision, the affected breast may not produce as much milk. This is particularly true if the lump was removed close to the nipple. In this case more of the ducts that carry the milk within the breast and nerves may have been damaged by the surgery. The radiotherapy you had may also have an impact on the breast’s ability to make milk.

Even if this is the case you may well be able to breast feed from your unaffected breast, but it is essential that you get the right support from your midwifery team. I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your midwife as soon as you can so that they can support you.

You may find it helpful to read this information from The National Childbirth Trust on Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer Treatment.

I can appreciate that as your unaffected breast increases in size, it would cause more of an imbalance for you. Even though it is some time since your treatment finished, it would still be worth reaching out to the breast nurses at your local hospital for support and advice. You could discuss your concerns about your breast as well as ask about prostheses and reconstructive options.

If you would rather order privately, Breast Cancer Now also have information on suppliers of prostheses, bras and swimwear .

I wish you the very best for the future and really hope that you get the support you need.

Best wishes and take care,

Suzanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

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Pregnancy after breast cancer