bilateral mastectomy

SweetSue
SweetSue Member Posts: 217
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
After 7 mos., I still have a lot of extra tissue.....under arms, area between where the breasts were, and on each side of my body (like I'm beginning to grow wings). I didn't have reconstruction , and I don't know if I will. Has anyone else had this problem?
Sue

Comments

  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #2
    I do, too. Same thing. I did not have reconstruction, either. It would have been nice to be warned about this unexpected change in body appearance pre-op, because it is still very distressing to look at in the mirror in a sci-fi sort of way. Hugs, Denise
  • SweetSue
    SweetSue Member Posts: 217
    #3
    DeeNY711 said:

    I do, too. Same thing. I did not have reconstruction, either. It would have been nice to be warned about this unexpected change in body appearance pre-op, because it is still very distressing to look at in the mirror in a sci-fi sort of way. Hugs, Denise

    Denise,
    I plan on getting the extra tissue-fat-whatever removed. However, I don't know if I should go to the same surgeon.
  • rizzo15
    rizzo15 Member Posts: 153 Member
    #4
    Sweet-onion. Didn't have a bilateral, but on the one mastectomy side, I had this huge wad of tissue remaining on the side of my body where the side of the bra normally sits. It didn't have much feeling and like you, I thought it looked strange. Like a gigantic bee sting. Now that it is 7 months post-surgery, it isn't nearly as massive as it once was. I wish I could say for sure at what point it decreased. It was so weird and unlike my body self-image that I tried to ignore it completely. Now it is almost as flat as the other side and I can feel my ribs quite distinctly through it--unlike before. I did 1/2 hour of "active" exercises that the surgeon gave me every night for 7 months after surgery. I don't know if that helped reduce the lump. The little pad in the center that was puffed out got smaller too. Now that I have frozen shoulder and can no longer do the active exercises, only stretching/inactive exercise, we'll see if the lump returns.
  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    #5
    Hi i too have had a mastecmoy and have the same problem i hate it.it is so disgusting looking i have a hard time wearing ceartain shirts becase of bening able too see it when i raise my arms.I will not even wear anything that is sleevlees anymore.I have not had reconsturction either and havent decide if iam or not.Amy
  • SweetSue
    SweetSue Member Posts: 217
    #6
    bunnie said:

    Hi i too have had a mastecmoy and have the same problem i hate it.it is so disgusting looking i have a hard time wearing ceartain shirts becase of bening able too see it when i raise my arms.I will not even wear anything that is sleevlees anymore.I have not had reconsturction either and havent decide if iam or not.Amy

    My onchologist is urging me to get reconstruction; I thought it strange that he should say anything to me about such a personal decision. I told him I like sleeping on my stomach without anything in the way. However, I may get reconstruction, but not at this moment.
    Sue
  • rizzo15
    rizzo15 Member Posts: 153 Member
    #7
    SweetSue said:

    My onchologist is urging me to get reconstruction; I thought it strange that he should say anything to me about such a personal decision. I told him I like sleeping on my stomach without anything in the way. However, I may get reconstruction, but not at this moment.
    Sue

    Sweet-onion. I agree with you. At my first appointment with the radiation oncologist, she was urging me to get a breast reduction on my non-cancer breast at the same time I got my mastectomy because she said it would probably prevent future back and posture problems. My first and current reaction was that I would cross that bridge when I came to it. Of course, I was a 34DD at the time and she was probably a 30AA. Maybe that influenced her thinking a little? Anyhow, it turns out that I haven't had back problems so far and wear my lightweight foam prosthesis most of the time instead of the heavier gel one that is is closer to the weight of my remaining breast. The surgeon was another story. He actually said he would prefer that I hold off on any reconstruction surgery for at least a few years. This is probably because I am a stage IIIa and all the doctors keep telling me we will have a better idea of what is going on within the first two years. They are not even going to remove the chemo port for 2 years unless it gets plugged up or becomes painful.
  • lanne0624
    lanne0624 Member Posts: 1
    #8
    I had bilateral mastectomy on 9/3/03. I also have the extra fatty tissue under my left arm. I had reconstruction started at the time of my mastectomy and the plastic surgeon told me he could suction the fat out, when he removes the tissue expanders and puts the permanent implants in. It is strange, that my right side doesn't have the same appearance. But, I also think it takes months for the swelling to go away and return to 'normal' (whatever that is now)! I am only 45 years old and I too was encouraged to get the reconstruction done. I heard too many horror stories about the prosthesis problems and I didn't really want a daily reminder when I got out of the shower. But now in hind-sight, I don't think there is ever a moment in my day that I don't think about breast cancer! Well, I hope everything else is going well and I send hugs and love to all of you! Have a Happy Day!

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