Lumpectomy and Reconstruction Advice

Hi Gardinia,  I know this is a stressful time for you.  Always wondering what you will look like after the operation.  I live in Florida so things are a little different here.  I have small breasts, 34A so had concerns as not much tissue to move around.  Had lumpectomy done both breasts as DCIS in right one and stage 1 invasive left side .  I had a 3 mm invasive tumor in left with 3 mm DCIS.  Looks super.after surgery.  The right had more tissue taken out but surgeon rearranged tissue and looks  good too.  The right one is just a little smaller but not really noticeable.  If I needed something done I was going to have lipofilling done but so far so good.  Radiation can also change look of breasts too but I am ok with that so far too and do my breast massage everyday.  I did not need lymph nodes done as tumor small, and age 72 at diagnosis and nothing noted on exam or ultrasound. Couldn’t feel any lumps on either of my breasts either.  
I hope all goes well and that you look good after surgery.  Remember you may have swelling after surgery do need to wait awhile to see how you look.  

Barbara

Hi Barbara, thanks for your reply, yes the surgeon talked about rearranging, it felt like a 30 second discussion of options and I felt rushed to make a decision.  Glad to hear your surgery went well x

Hi Gardinia, think this depends on your breast size and age (ie whether you are pre-menopause or older).  Reconstruction was never discussed with me and my lump was similar size, location and grade.   Took the view that it was a relatively small amount of tissue in relation to my breast size - best described as "big and floppy" and am  in my 60s.  I had a slight dent below my scar in the weeks following my op, but 6 months later the dent is no longer visible.  Obviously, if you have smaller breasts or more dense breast tissue, things will be different.   Lab results vary across the country and 3-4 weeks is not unusual.  Mine were almost 3 weeks.   Good luck with your surgery.

• Oh that is not a good feeling to be rushed.  It is amazing what a skilled surgeon can do.  Sometimes surgeons are so rushed they don’t take the time.  

Hi SuziQ, thanks for your reply.   I asked how much around the lump would be removed and the surgeon described a cylindrical tunnel, diameter was 4cm - which seemed a lot of tissue.  I could live with a dent, but he seemed to describe a lot more than that which has left me feeling more nervous.

Hi Gardinia, think you need to speak to your surgeon again to clarify this - a 4 cm diameter tunnel is a LOT of tissue in relation to a lump that is <1 cm.  I don't understand why a tunnel is required - my understanding is that they need to remove the lump plus a 1mm margin all around it.  Either ask for an appointment or a phone call to discuss, especially as your previous appointment was rushed - you should never be rushed to make a decision like that.

I want to help ease your mind.  I have my surgical pathology report for my right breast and surgeon removed 6.2x2.7x2.5cm specimen A and 2.2c2.1x1cm for specimen B and I am small breasted and look good. Tumor was beneath the nipple area so incision is peri Arellano.  On left breast  pretty similar as were 2 areas that needed to removed but with one incision.   I also thought that it was a lot but they need to get it all.  Hope this helps a little anyway.

Barbara

Hi, so sorry to hear that you need breast cancer surgery.

I had a lumpectomy in May, she removed about 5 cm and now I'm all healed I have a dent but nothing really noticeable.

My results were delayed because of the bank holidays and so they took 4 weeks. During this time I focused on getting myself well again by walking and so I didn't find that wait too bad.

Wishing you all the best for your surgery, the start of your journey to being cancer free. Xx 

Thanks Barb, that's reassuring, I am going to speak to the nurse tomorrow to talk this through.  It definitely helps x

Thanks Lovetowalk, fingers crossed xx