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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Miami, FL

Hello, I am in the process of deciding if I should have a mastectomy or another lumpectomy to obtain clear margins. I met with a plastic surgeon today and he spoke to me regarding Oncoplastic closure with lift and reduction. So he stated that during the lumpectomy he would perform the oncoplastic surgery on the affected breast and on the unaffected breast a reduction for symmetry. I had two lumpectomies on the left breast on 12/16 and I have a huge indentation and my skin is very wrinkle and the… read more

January 12
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A MyBCTeam Member

Yes radiation causes a lot of shrinkage. The problem is the shrinkage doesn't happen all at once but gradually in my case. If you are expected to have radiation on one breast; during bilateral reduction the plastic surgeon can make one breast smaller and the breast that has to be radiated will be left a bit larger. This is to compensate for radiation shrinkage to get both breasts to be more symmetrical. I had lumpectomy on the right with oncological reduction on both. I was pleased with the results until the left benign breast the removed tissue came back DCIS positive with compromised margins. I then had to have a mastectomy on the left.

January 13
A MyBCTeam Member

Wow a full size! Thank u!!

January 13
A MyBCTeam Member

It was a large C now its about a B! I think grapefruit to small orange for scale.!

January 13 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member how much did you breast shrink after radiation?

January 13
MyBCTeam

What changes can you expect after lumpectomy and radiation?

It sounds like you're weighing some important decisions about your next steps. The indentation and changes you're experiencing after your previous lumpectomies are common side effects that reconstruction can help address.

Breast appearance after lumpectomy:

Show Full Answer

What changes can you expect after lumpectomy and radiation?

It sounds like you're weighing some important decisions about your next steps. The indentation and changes you're experiencing after your previous lumpectomies are common side effects that reconstruction can help address.

Breast appearance after lumpectomy:

Lumpectomy typically preserves most of your natural breast tissue and shape, and usually doesn't significantly affect breast size. However, you might notice changes like:

- Indentations or dimpling in the breast
- Discoloration or tenderness near the surgical area
- Changes in breast contour

Effects of radiation therapy:

Radiation after lumpectomy can lead to changes in skin color or texture. While the available information doesn't specify exact measurements of breast shrinkage from radiation, these skin and tissue changes are recognized side effects.

Reconstruction options:

Breast reconstruction surgery after lumpectomy can help restore shape and symmetry, addressing concerns like indentations or deformities. The oncoplastic approach your plastic surgeon mentioned combines cancer removal with immediate reshaping, which can improve cosmetic outcomes.

This is a very personal decision. Your meeting with your breast surgeon on Wednesday will be important for discussing whether another lumpectomy with oncoplastic closure or mastectomy is the best path forward for achieving clear margins while addressing your cosmetic concerns.

January 12

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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rome, GA

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