Different sized breasts following lumpectomy

I had a female consultant and she was cold and I got a lecture from her because I complained to PALS at the hospital because I had a problem with the breast she operated on and it was impossible to see her again.  PALS were really helpful and I was able to get the appointment because of PALS. When she saw my breast there was panic and I had a biopsy and scan immediately. Apparently I had a 5cm of dead tissue in my breast from the reconstruction and I had an operation to remove it a few weeks later. I had my original operation in October of last year and radiation in January this year. Appointments were consistently cancelled and just because I was in agony was not a good reason to see a clinician. I would have ended up in A&E if I couldn’t get an appointment with the consultant. In the end my breast became rock hard and was only a quarter the size of the other one. When I told the breast nurse about the size of my breast she said she was sure no one would notice. Now waiting for fat from my abdomen to be injected into the breast but unfortunately my consultant is on long term sick leave. I find some of the NHS staff have no understanding of what patients go through mentally and physically. I can only thank PALS and the customer support team at the hospital I attended. I believe patients who have had breast cancer can get reconstruction on the NHS and any ladies who want reconstruction should push for it.

Hi Silverline,  So glad that you complained about the awful treatment you received from the surgeon.  PALS sounds wonderful and I agree if anyone is unhappy with care they should talk with them directly.  I live in Florida and my care was wonderful.  Had 2 breast surgeons and the first one was so compassionate and knowledgeable.  He was 75 and a real artist with the scalpel.  His daughter had breast cancer too so he got it.  He had a family emergency and was off when I needed my second lumpectomy on other breast so his associate did it.  Another great surgeon and nice too.  It makes me so angry to think that some surgeons are so cocky and egotistical.  Going through breast cancer sucks and some TLC and great care isn’t too much to ask.  
I agree about pushing for what you want .  After all it is our bodies.

Good luck with the lipofilling.  That is suppose to be good for breasts that have had radiation too.  
Barbara

Hi  Shellbell24…….sorry to hear you are feeling self conscious…and yes there are bigger problems but I have found that the little issues can just be that step too far on top of everything else and are capable of bringing  you to the edge…...in 2019 I had lumpectomy and radiotherapy…..this left my smaller breast even smaller and uneven looking……I bought some silicone breast shells from Nicola Jane (£38 for a pair) and used them in my bra to “fill out “ my shape…..I just recently had a mastectomy on the same side and use the shell with a cut up shower scrunchie as my prosthesis as I find regular prosthesis too firm on my tender chest. The scrunchie allows you to find the right amount of volume and arrange it where you need it most and the shell smooths out the shape…..I wear them in a pocketed bra….I also wear them in swimsuits and even a bikini with removable cups, similar to pocketed bras.

I hope this helps a little.

good luck with your remaining chemo 

Hi Shoo, i think you are right, the big things we expect and are prepared for but the little things are what get to you. 

I’ll have a look into the gels, just annoying I have to throw out all my lovely bras as they don’t fit anymore. But I will def have a look at bras with pockets in. Thanks for your advice!