Hi. I'm going to have a breast reduction op on both sides as I have cancer on one side. This was offered as I have very large boobs and it was felt that radiotherapy would work better if my boobs were smaller.
I'm really pleased with this treatment plan. However I can't find anything online about breast reduction surgery as a cancer treatment. Any articles relate to lumpectomies, mastectomy or post op reconstruction.
I wondered if anyone on the forum has had the procedure I'm due to have? Thanks in anticipation
Hi 
I had a breast reduction following a dcis diagnosis almost 2yrs ago as part of my treatment. I was told it can help lessen the effects of radiation and help reduce recurrence as there’s less tissue. I was a similar size to you and have gone to a C/ D. (the radiated side is a little smaller)
It’s a relief to have smaller boobs but as someone else pointed out the op was pretty major, 2 surgeons & under anaesthetic for 7 hrs. I had drains but healed well and did all the exercises they suggested but have limited range of movement on the dcis side.
It’s not a perfect boob job that you’d see on a plastic surgery ad, I have significant bumps at the end of my scars, a pucker on one side along my scar & hardly any feeling in the nipple of the radiated side. I didn’t expect that tbh, but the puckering & bumps was because it was such an extreme change in size! I don’t regret opting for it at all. I’m 46 & wish I’d done it years ago minus the dcis!
I have had to have a few biopsies in the last 10 months as mammograms showed up areas that needed investigation & they were scar tissue from the op. I had to have a tiny clip put in so that they can monitor that specific area at my next check ups.
One tip I had was to get button up pjs which were handy with the drains. I didn’t expect to be able to put my arms up for a while but found I could carefully put on normal tops (not button up) within 3 weeks. I didn’t drive for 4 weeks so needed help with that and I wished I’d had more meals frozen to help in the early days post op. Extra pillows & a v pillow to help sleeping more upright was helpful and a small soft long handled / cross body bag to carry round the drains if you end up with them. I was tired and it took time to build up stamina when walking & carrying a bit of shopping. I’d have done some pre op exercise to raise my fitness a bit if I’d have thought about it. It did take a lot out of me initially but I was back to normal fairly soon & then had radiation about 8 weeks after the op.
I hope I haven’t given you too much info & that it doesn’t sound scary. Like I say I don’t regret it! Very best of luck with it all. If you have any questions feel free to ask x
