Coping with Uneven Breasts After Cancer Treatment

Know what you mean. Had double mastectomy two surgeons so even with no breast I still don't look the same on each side. The side I had radiation on was pulled so tight that it feels like a band has been pulled tight around my chest constantly had to have a second surgery to close it. On the other side I was left with a dog ear. Nothing is even. Looks like crap. However, I'm still alive so that counts for a lot 😂.

I have the same issue with ugly surgery’s results. But I too am still here.

By now, you would think surgeons would be better. Mine doesn't sound as bad as some of you, but I too have issues with my outcome from the radiation and scars. I have to focus on that I'm alive and am thankful for that. I may remain by myself for the rest of my life, but am remaining hopeful that he's out there fir me somewhere and understanding.

Feeling frustrated with changes to your body after cancer treatment is completely understandable, and many people in this community have faced similar challenges with their self-image and confidence. There are various options for managing these feelings, from supportive garments and prosthetics to counseling resources that specialize in body image after cancer - connecting with others here who have navigated similar experiences might provide helpful perspectives and emotional support during this difficult time.

I was scheduled for a bilateral masstectomy back in March 2023. But due to undergoing a thoractomy for suspected lung cancer, which ended up resulting " no definitive diagnosis" in Jan 2023, and losing my father Feb 2023, when March came around I was not physically, mentally, or emotionally prepared!! I wanted a 2nd opinion and I canceled that bilateral surgery last minute. Well, since I canceled last minute and wanted a 2nd opinion, which I was never able to get, when I felt I had no other choice, I called to re-set up an appt. That was in june 2023. I couldn't get an appt until Aug 2023. It's like I was being punished. Instead of a bilateral masstectomy, that they were going to do before, they would only do the left breast now. Putting in my hospital notes that I only wanted a bilateral mastectomy for cosmetic reasons!! I was never offered reconstruction surgery. Infact, I actually found out about it researching on my own. When i asked them about it, i was told that they did not offer reconstructive surgery at their facility. I asked to be referred or transferred to a facility that does offer R. S. and was told that the Dr would not sign for me to go anywhere else because there was no reason why I could not have the surgery done there. I am sharing all of this because at the time I did not know about the WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE AND CANCER ACT of 1998 which specifically states that NO WOMAN SHALL BE DENIED THE Opportunity TO HAVE RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY IF SHE SO CHOOSES TO DO SO. It is a Federal Law, and in Sept 2023 Louisiana State Law mirrored it. These people flat out denied me my right to choose to have reconstruction surgery. Not only denied me but belittled me, even to the point stating i only wanted it for cosmetic reasons, knowing that usually medicaid will not cover any cosmetic surgeries. But under that act, it doesn't matter, cosmetic reasons falls under medically necessary... A time when I needed support the most, the people I was supposed to entrust my life with, treated me and my needs the worst. I do not want this to happen to anyone else.. if anyone out there is facing the same hell I went through, dont stand for it. Reference that Federal Law and see if your state mirrors it... They shaved me so tight and close to my chest wall, its not even funny. I struggle everyday with how I look. I struggle everyday with the whole mental sh#*t. Yes, I am very grateful to still be here. But they robbed me of my right to choose and I that still pisses me off , matter-o-factly . I apologize for the lengthy post. I pray no one else has had a similar experience. And hopefully this will raise awareness and help change someone elses outcome for the better. 💯❤️