Forum Discussion

Neets's avatar
Neets
Member
2 months ago

Post surgery changes

Good morning, I have a quick question to any women who have had lumpectomy/s and where the surgeon removed fat from under the underarm area right side only for me (side boob) to refill breast/s. I had lumpectomy's on both breasts at the same time, early cancers, both hormone positive ILC & IDC over a year ago now. My question is if they have been left with what looks like a small 3rd boob to me under their armpit that protrudes out. I cant understand how an area that has fat removed from it ends up bigger than before. It is uncomfortable, causes rubbing/friction that I did not have to contend with before and finding a bra that covers the area so the excess bulk doesn't get squeezed out from and overhangs from the bra line is frustrating. I only have B-Cup breasts and never had to wear heavy duty thick/wide band bras before because I wasn't big or had a lot of fat in the side boob area. Since surgery & having the fat apparently removed to fill the area my small tumours were removed from, I am now left with a bulge that is very noticeable from both the front & back. I dont wear singlet tops any more because the bulge is too noticeable. Very disappointing because I was not told about this outcome, only that there will be scar/s, which I have & don't concern me at all. Having a bulge/mass sticking out from the side of your breast seems more notable to mention than whatever scars might be left behind. Had I known I would not have had my breasts "refilled" from the small tumours removed. Any lop-sidedness or unevenness if any would have been fixed with a bit of padding, which most bras come with these days. I feel I have acquired a 3rd boob that is very noticeable whether I am clothed or not. Has this been any one else's experience?

lumpectomy
side-effects
surgery

4 Replies

  • Mazza1949's avatar
    Mazza1949
    Member
    2 months ago

    Hi Neets. I had a mastectomy of left breast in February this year and have also been left with a “third boob” that is very noticeable and uncomfortable. When I went for my first checkup with the surgeon he told me it was quite normal but if it still worried me in about 12 months he could possibly remove it if I wanted. I feel like a freak every time I look at it and have trouble getting bras and prosthesis to fit properly so I understand how you feel. I definitely want it removed in the future.

    • Neets's avatar
      Neets
      Member
      2 months ago

      Thank you arpie, Locksley & Mazza for your responses. 'Protuberance ' is a good way to explain it arpie & the term "dog ear" explains it well now that I have done some research. I feel some more explanation BEFORE surgery would have been great, a bit more transparency to what sounds like is a common enough result I think warrants a discussion of its possibility before surgery so we aren't left horrified seeing it. 

      I am seeing my surgeon in a weeks time for follow up after a contrast mammogram (dense breasts) 2 weeks ago, after surgery 13 months ago, I will be raising this with him again to start the process of having it rectified. I did first bring it up at my 7 month follow up but he just said wait for the 1 year mark to pass, then take it from there and that he could do something about it but it wont happen for a while.

      Like I mentioned in my 1st post, explaining that there will be a scar, which is an obvious expectation I had, but failing to mention the possibility of being left with a 'dog ear' or protuberance which I feel is a much bigger issue is a failure to properly inform me completely about my surgery. I don't recall there being any mention of this in the cancer booklet explaining surgery options with pictures after surgery. My 10-12 cm linear scar tissue with its hardness & numbness is of no concern to me what's so ever, it is hidden when clothed but even if it could be seen at all times, its impact is nothing compared to having the protrusion at the end of the scar in the axilla region that cant be hidden even whilst clothed and impacts the contour of my body and more importantly feeling it when I move.  

      The fact that I have only now obtained information about this from you lovely ladies who also have experience of this is showing a clear lack of real information about the realities after surgery. I understand this may not happen every time after this kind of surgery and is more likely under certain circumstances, now that I have researched it, it is obviously common enough to mention it and more importantly the ways it could be rectified to help relieve any frustration & anxiety.

      Thank you all, & much appreciated.

       

  • Locksley's avatar
    Locksley
    Member
    2 months ago

    Hello I had a lumpectomy and then later mastectomy.   I thought I would be flat after this surgery.   It was very lumpy and bumpy.  Under my arm I was left with what is called a "dog ear".  It's a flap of skin.  I would be so upset every time I saw it I relived the trauma.   I told my oncologist and breast care nurse and after 12 months in the public system I had a lovely female surgeon understand how I felt and she removed it. 

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 months ago

    I am so sorry Neets​  that you've had this 'protuberance' following your surgery.

    I had a lumpectomy near my nipple & existing fat in the breast (which was larger than the other breast), was 'relocated' to fill in the 'gap' ... but over the last 7 years, it has 'subsided' into a bit of a 'dip' rather than becoming a lump.   My surgeon had offered to 'fix it' - but I've chosen not to. 

    But your issue, really needs major discussion with your surgeon.   My own opinion would be that they should 'fix it' at no charge to you.   

    Do you have a Breast Care Nurse?  I would contact them & see if they can 'intercede' on your behalf, to arrange a meeting & discussion re rectifying this unwanted development.  

    It should not have happened.

    Take care .... and all the best for a good resolution xx