Neck, shoulder and back pain due to imbalance after single breast mastectomy

Hi Mandy, for bigger breasted women a single mastectomy is definitely an issue.
I was a DD bordering on an E
I already knew going into a breast surgeon for the first time that this would be an issue as I already saw a chiro for twisted spine problems.
my surgeon also warned that it could be  problem.

As I saw it my options were a breast reduction and other side reconstruction or a bilateral mastectomy.
I have dense breasts and have had problems with mammograms and ultrasounds not picking up lumps so removing the worry of the 'supposedly' healthy breast was definitely an option for me.

As we thought originally that I only needed a lumpectomy, I opted for bilateral reduction with my lumpectomy on the right side. But then I always hated my big breasts and wanted them smaller anyway. To be able to have them both reduced in one op was great for me. I am now a C cup and I love it.

However I now have to have a right side mastectomy due to more advanced than expected pathology after that surgery so we are back to the original dilemma.

I am having an MRI to rule out any issues with the left breast.
If it comes back with any issues I am having a bilateral mastectomy.
I am going to put myself on the public list for reconstruction and make up my mind during the waiting time whether I want to go ahead with it.

I might well decide not to.

If the left breast is clear I am having a single mastectomy and probably a DIEP flap reconstruction in a year or so
(I have to have radiation so will have to wait and have been told I can't have implants)
I ride horses and already have an imbalance problem so for me being lopsided is not an option.

I had to see a psychologist through the Cancer Centre at the hospital to come to this clear point in my head, otherwise I was lost in the decision.
Perhaps that would help you.

hi Mandy, 
I help run a group on facebook  - 

Breast Cancer & Beyond- No recon, Flat, foobs and alive Down Under (Aust)
This closed group is for anyone who has undergone a mastectomy and is now learning to live with 
 NO reconstruction, or chose to wear foobs.
did you choose not to have reconstruction? 
did you have to reverse your reconstruction? 
are you contemplating it?) 

Whatever the case, we would love to see you here 
Many of us can understand the day to day issues unique to living without reconstruction following mastectomy, in Australia. We can figure it out together.

So feel free to open up and have a vent or express yourselves in any way you need to! We do not judge or discriminate! We believe in embracing each other and accepting each other's differences! No matter what!

You need information about services or where to go for foobs etc just ask. 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bcnoffaaduaustralia/

Mandy I lost 8kg the day of surgery from my breasts alone  :| I chose to have a double mastectomy right up and no reconstruction.... 
My back and neck love me for it I couldn't believe the difference after my body healed from surgery and chemo etc. 

you and anyone else is welcome to join the group. 
Alice 
Aka
Soldiercrab

I've heard of a number of women who have experienced similar issues. There also are quite a lot that choose to remain flat and fabulous. @SoldierCrab you may be able to offer advise and direction to your group. It may take some time after surgery to be pain free as your body adjusts and you might need additional physio to help with that but I'm sure eventually things will improve. I had a bilateral with reconstruction. Going from an E to a DD. The weight of both implants are less than 1 boob so it's been awesome not having the issues I did with weight with my pre cancer boobs. Kath x

I didn't realise the extent of my spinal imbalance until I got my prosthesis 12 months after my mastectomy. Then I got some back pain as my spine readjusted. My breast was 1.3 kilos, so I really should have twigged something would happen. Fortunately more than three years later I have had no further problems. My prosthesis however weighs considerably more than 350 gms, so I am presumably better balanced. I agree that advice would help, I seem to have been lucky that the supplier of my prosthesis, who was excellent, has anticipated the need for body balance not just looks. Some people with prostheses, particularly in tropical areas, complain about weight and heat, but the weight may also be a positive thing in regard to their backs. My sincere sympathies for the problem, chronic pain is no way to live, even if the only solution is another mastectomy.