Concerns About Breast Cancer Treatment and Potential Deformity

Please don’t worry! I have had two lumpectomies and you can’t even tell. You will just fine!

Had my lumpectomy Nov 29. I have a 3" scar across the top of my breast. It won't be noticable unless I wear something so revealing, that I wouldn't wear it anyway. The scar will lighten to a white line now it is pink. My breast size is slighly smaller not noticable when wearing my bra and clothing. On Friday I am having more surgery as my margins are too close for comfort. I am expecting it to be slightly smaller or flatter on the top as that is where my 3cm tumour was originally. No other therapies yet as I am waiting for Onconotyping results.

Do your research. Nobody told me what to expect. I had radiation and a lumpectomy. My right breast is deformed. It is a third of the size of my left one. It feels like leather and is hard. Sometimes it feels hot inside. I don't wear t-shirts or anything like that in public anymore.

I’ve had two lumpectomy’s followed by radiation. I went to radiation after I taught school everyday. No residual effects other than lots of fatigue the last two weeks. One breast is smaller but it was smaller before. I just wear a slightly padded bra.

These concerns about potential outcomes from different treatment approaches are completely understandable, and it sounds frustrating when conversations with the medical team aren't providing the detailed information needed to feel confident about such important decisions. Many people in this community have navigated similar treatment crossroads and found it helpful to seek second opinions, ask for specific statistics about outcomes, or request to speak with patients who've had both procedures to better understand real experiences. The Surgery and Recovery community here has many members who've walked various treatment paths and may be able to share insights about what questions helped them make informed decisions with their care teams.