One is BIGGER than the other!

Oski

Hi
I had an early diagnosis and lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and follow up treatment of right breast in 2003 (aged 45 years). As I've aged, my treated breast is shrinking and shrinking and shrinking and is now very obviously a different size to my left breast.
1 Has anyone else experience this?
2 Do you think it would be considered 'medically necessary' surgery if I wanted a reconstruction for health fund purposes?
Appreciate any feedback - thank you so much.

arpie

Gosh @Oski - Personally, I haven't heard of this sort of extreme shrinkage - but I know that my own lumpectomy (with fat redistributed into the 'hole') has 'settled' over the last 5 years with a bit of a 'dip' - but not enough for me to worry about it, or need for further surgery.  

Radiation can cause some shrinkage (and/or firmness of the tissue) ....

I've just searched 'breast shrinkage' and there are definitely a few saying the same ...
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/search?query=breast shrinkage&scope=site&source=community

Have you spoken with your GP about this?  Is your surgeon still 'active'?  Tho I guess you'd be seeing a Plastic Surgeon for reduction of the other breast ( .. just make sure they are proficient Breast Cancer surgeon!) 

I would be surprised if it wasn't deemed medically necessary (both for your mental health and physical health) but who knows - they can be very good at getting out of not paying for stuff! ...

I guess it depends on how the PS (plastic surgeon) 'words it' and which category they choose for the 'forms' ....   Definitely raise it with all your health team .... and I wish you luck 

take care

Cath62

Hi @Oski, my lumpectomy removed a orange size lump and margin so it was definitely vastly different so at the time of my lumpectomy I also had a lift. I waited a year after treatment of chemo and radium and then reduced and lifted the other breadt. They are almost matching and close in size so I am pleased I did the second surgery. I hope you can see someone about it to discuss it and see what you want to do.

Oski

Thanks Arpie and Cath 62. I had a little look around Medicare etc and I think what I need to do is get an official report saying that there is 'at least' 10% difference in size of both breasts. (which there sure is) I have no idea how you do that, or who does, it? So I guess I will now follow up with my GP who will have to get the ball rolling. Another Mammogram maybe?

Cath62

My surgeon who did both surgeries said it was medically required so if you are wanting to use the same surgeon just check with them. I think they would say it was required for medical purposes.

Oski

Hi
Cath and Arpie - yes well I am going ahead with discussing with my GP tomorrow. I think now I just need to find an appropriate cosmetic breast surgeon, and get the referral arranged.

It is 20 years this year since my diagnosis and first surgery (that will be another celebration) - so I think I'll be asking Perth WA gals for any recommendations for surgeons.
Thanks again xx

arpie

All the best for your appt tomorrow @Oski - I hope you can get a satisfactory outcome xx

HUGE congrats on your 20 years anniversary! xxx

FLClover

Congrats to 20 healthy years - massive achievement 🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️♥️