Breast Lump Surgery advice

Madelyn80
Madelyn80 Member Posts: 6
in Breast Cancer #1
Some background: I was diagnosed at 29 with breast cancer. After a year and a half of treatment I am cancer free. Now for the surgery to take the lump out. This is where the problems lie and I was hoping I could give advice. I am currently starting tomoxifen and looking at a surgery date in August so I am feeling pressured to make a decision soon but not until I am informed.

My breast surgeon says she thinks I only need a lumpectomy which is good news. The amount of breast tissue she will be taking will be from 12 - 3o'clock. If I didn't care so much about my breasts I would just have the lump out and be done. The problems are mostly with the reconstruction side. I need to call my insurance to make sure they will cover what I end up getting but for now I am wrestling with physical and emotional decisions. I am sending the plastic surgeon a few questions but I want to have some advice from people who have gone through this or can help me.

I only want to have one major surgery if at all possible. The options my plastic surgeon offers are tram flap, latissimus flap, and her suggestion when I went for my consultation was to do a vertical lift on both breasts for equality.

I am in the obese category and I worry about fat necrosis, complications, and unaesthetic results. I know with any procedure these are a possibility.

My breasts are small for my frame, I'm about 280 and have C's but my surgeon said for my size they should be D or DD and I worry with a reduction they will draw even more attention to themselves by being disproportional. I carry most of my fat under my belly button, stomach, and thighs.

So what kinds of procedures, recoveries, and outcomes have people who may be considered obese and/or just want to help me recommend/advise in general??

Comments

  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175 Member
    #2
    Hi Madelyn welcome to the
    Hi Madelyn welcome to the board. I just wanted to welcome you but i was not a canidate for any of your options, so sorry i cant be any help there. I did have a lumpectomy then i got my only option for reconstruction that was implants. As far as the physical and emotional side of it, weve all been there...its a rollercoaster ride. For me i am happy about my decision of getting the reconstruction but thats an individual thing cuz everyone is different. You just have to find what makes you happy. Hopefully some of the other girls can give you their imput on the same options you have.
    Keep posting and let us know what you decide when that time comes.

Discussion Boards