Tubular Carcinoma and Breast reduction

I had a therapeutic mammoplasty (breast reduction) for my invasive ductal carcinoma in October.  They reduced both sides and yes I am extremely glad I had it done.   I was l very arge chested and I feel they look so much better and in proportion to the rest of me now.  It is one positive of having this horrible disease that I in my mid 40s now have the boobs of a 20 year old

The side effects of radiotherapy on large breast is more pronounced.  I have just finished my radiotherapy and so far apart from some redness and slight itching, I've been just grand.

I was surprised it was an option too when I was diagnosed but recovered well from surgery and am enjoying being able to buy bras that look pretty and not like scaffolding. 

Good luck with it all and sorry you find yourself here.

Thank you so much for sharing this with me....I am in my early 60’s and I will speak to the surgeon on Monday before deciding but this will most certainly aid my decision. I had my results only today and so just trying to process it all. I will also have radiotherapy and this was a reason given by the consultant as to why I might consider it....very grateful to you for your response, thank you!

Been told my best option is a breast reduction at present im h cup the picture i was shown horrified me. The reduction were to c/d cups. Im a chunky girl and alway prided myself that my chest balanced me out. Never have i once thought about a reduction. My heart should be saying the op will save my life but im vainer than i thought possible.

Hey! I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I had the same one in mid April. I was a 40F cup and I had my lumpectomy and breast reduction on the 28th May. My surgeon did her best to take me to a reasonable size as, like you, I’m a curvy lady. All I can say is that six weeks on, I’m healing really well and bra size seems to be around 40 C/D. With a nice slightly padded bra my clothes look nice and I am getting used to my smaller boobs. It’s quite a thing for a woman to go through but the main thing is you’ll be cancer free afterwards. Wishing you well and I hope everything goes well for you xx PS my Hubbie is a big fan!

Fallenangel1 

I was in exactly the same position. Loved my big 40F boobies but the cancer resulted in the best option being a reduction on both sides which I had done in April. I was shocked when I first came out of surgery, it felt odd but I can honestly say it’s the best thing ever. I have been left with a pair of pert 38C boobies which look so much better in tops/dresses and defy gravity in swimsuits.  It’s so nice being able to buy sexy bras rather than boulder holders and none of that underboob soreness which was inevitable in this weather. I like to think I’ve now experienced the best of both worlds! I would never in a million years have considered a reduction without the big C, but I can honestly say it’s been a revelation.

Cracked thank you for sharing your story. Did you get a say in what size they would reduce them too. Im guessing its pot luck depending on how much is removed. Im still waiting on the results of what type cancer im fighting. Today was the first mention of reduction i was thinking a marble size chunk 23mm was being removed not the chunk that was discussed today as this would leave me with a large dent. The mamograme showed much more damaged tissue. Getting my head round it is difficult.

RhondaMc thanks for sharing your story. Its given me some hope of feeling back in control x

Fallenangel1 It’s a huge thing to get your head around but hopefully your plastic surgeon will do their best to reduce to around a D cup, they’ll want what’s best for you. Speak to them about your fears, they’ll understand. I promise you it’s not that bad and I’m surprised how quickly I’m healing....I wish you all the best ️

Hi Fallenangel1

I did have some say, the surgeon basically asked whether I’d like tiny boobs or still have a bit of bounce. I opted for the latter. As much as i didn’t want to lose my boobs (I could have opted for a double mastectomy but chose not to) I still had a deep seated fear of it returning in the future and it growing to quite a size again in my humongous bosom before I noticed. I feel far more confident knowing that they are now far easier to check.

What’s amazing, is what they can do. My lump was 4cms by the time I saw a consultant - the initial appointment system is so slow here in Brighton, yes it’s two weeks for the first appointment but then two weeks between every single test and another two weeks to see the consultant. I saw my doctor in August, received my diagnoses in October and didn’t start treatment until November, by which time the lump was 6cms. So a considerable amount to remove. However, what surprised me was the surgeon’s ability to remove a lump and rearrange my boob so it’s still perfect boob shape. He said it’s easy to think of a breast as a piece of meat but it’s not, they remove the lump and rejig it so to speak and it forms the new shape. 

The decision on what surgery to have is very personal and you feel so pressured to make a decision swiftly. Talk to your surgeon. My surgeon changed at the last minute and I kicked up a bit of a fuss to get an appointment with the new surgeon before surgery. I’m so glad I did, as he was able to answer all my questions and calm any fears.