Worried about upcoming reduction (had lumpectomy 3 weeks ago)

@gemjaynes - How did you end up a cup size bigger?! I'm a B, which is relatively proportionate to my body, although I've always wished they were a little bigger. I had a lumpectomy for atypical ductal hyperplasia but the pathology report revealed invasive tubular carcinoma and DCIS. Because they found cancer, I have to go back to have a sentinel lymph node biopsy and was told I could get a lift while I'm under anesthesia. While I would like to have my breasts be more symmetrical, I'm worried that a lift will make my breasts even smaller, especially as I have to have radiation afterward, which I've read can shrink your breast by as much as 20%!

I think the biggest concern for breast shrinkage after radiation is when they do whole breast radiation. I had partial breast radiation - and my breast is actually larger. I don’t have an accurate answer for why - I thought that there was still a possibility that there might be shrinkage at my 1 year check. They are also watching an enlarged axillary lymph node on the same side, so I thought there might still be upcoming surgery.
I’m coming up to my 18 month check, and I plan to get specific answers as to what the expectation is now.

I think the biggest concern for breast shrinkage after radiation is when they do whole breast radiation. I had partial breast radiation - and my breast is actually larger. I don’t have an accurate answer for why - I thought that there was still a possibility that there might be shrinkage at my 1 year check. They are also watching an enlarged axillary lymph node on the same side, so I thought there might still be upcoming surgery.
I’m coming up to my 18 month check, and I plan to get specific answers as to what the expectation is now.

Hi @sarahmh

I never considered that the breast getting bigger after radiation could be breast lymphedema.

I found out at my one year after BC discovery mammogram and ultrasound.

What type of program do you do daily?

I am see a PT lymphedema specialist now.

That’s great you’re seeing a lymphedema specialist! She should steer you in the right direction. The easiest thing I do that has a surprisingly big impact is to wear a Swell Spot inside a very snug bra. It still amazes me that it makes such a difference! I also do a lymphedema exercise class once a week called Healthy Steps. I do it in person at a local cancer resource center, but I believe you can find classes or YouTube videos online. Every once in a while I do a little manual drainage. These measures really help keep the lymphedema at bay, and I can tell when I slack off on the exercise or don’t wear my Swell Spot for a while!

Your breast may be larger due to breast lymphedema. After my lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, my affected breast was noticeably smaller. Pretty soon, however, I noticed it became bigger, even larger than my other breast. I was seeing a physical therapist to monitor for lymphedema, and she immediately identified breast lymphedema. My breast had a slight orange peel texture that is also a sign of lymphedema. I did have chemo and 33 radiation treatments (28 to the whole breast) but never saw shrinking. With a few, very easy things, I keep the breast lymphedema in check, but my PT has seen women with affected breasts that become gigantic. I’d ask about the possibility of breast lymphedema!