Anyone have a breast reduction with their lumpectomy?

Hi,
I spend my time over in the chronic pain forum, but my cousin was just diagnosed with breast cancer so I thought I'd start a thread for her (and myself) to see what experience some of you may have had with the procedure she's considering.

They have found two small lumps in one breast, she was told it's an aggressive cancer, so she'll likely be having surgery within the next week or two. I'm sure many of you can relate to having to make a lot of serious decisions quickly. One thing she's considering is having breast reduction surgery, and her surgeon said she does a procedure together with the plastic surgeon where the reduction on both breasts is done after the lumpectomy (both surgeons are in the operating room at the same time). She knows she'll need radiation after the lumpectomy, and possibly chemo. She's still undergoing tests so the surgeon knows everything she's dealing with, but so far it appears localized to these 2 small lumps.

I did a little research and found the procedure is called Oncoplastic Surgery. Have any of you had this - a breast reduction along with your lumpectomy? If so, I wondered what your experience was, or if you have any suggestions for my cousin. She may be reading responses, and she's got a lot on her plate to consider in a short amount of time, so I'd appreciate it if you could keep that in mind as you respond.

Thanks!

PaLady

I didn't have a reduction, but did have a breast lift.
It was done at the same time as my lumpectomy both surgeons were in the OR a the same time.
Yes, both breasts were done at the same time.

I spent three days in the hospital and that was because my BP was so low. Usually it's same day surgery. As for pain only had some when I was in the recovery room and was given Dilaudud IV after that my pain was mimimal so when I got home all I needed was extra strength Tylenol. I had a drain in each breast they were removed a week later along with the stitches at the doctors office.

While in the hospital I was given surgical bras and also was given three more for home use when I was released.

I was delighted with the results and the fact that there was very little pain with the exception of what I felt in the recovery room which was quickly taken care of and it never returned.

Going for the reduction is a good thing to do the same time your cousin has her lumpectomy and I'm certain they will do both lumpectomy and reduction at the same time.

Tomorrow I start seven weeks of radiation and will soon be on Arimidex, hormone therapy, for five years. There was no cancer in my lymph nodes either.
Your cousin will start radiation when her incisions heal.

Good luck to your cousin and for information tell her to check in here there are so many experts and there will be answers to her questions.

I'm new at all this too and I don't know what I would do with out HW and it's members. It's so important to learn all you can.

Jane

PS: Just wondering if your from Pennsylvania, because if your user name, I live in Glen Mills, PA which is about 20 miles from Philadelphia and 3 miles from Wilmington, DE. I had my surgery at Bryn Mawr Hospital and will be doing rads at Lankenau Hospital.

Hi, I just had a lumpectomy, reduction, and lift. The recovery was excellent, and I was home within 24 hours. However, I am learning that no two situations are the same, so please find a surgeon you trust. Find out if you should have an MRI before undergoing the oncoplasty.