Breast discharge again, more surgery planned

I had breast discharge in 2018, had surgery in July 2019 and then a second one in September 2019 as there weren't clear margins from the first. Was advised that I could have radiation therapy but it wasn't really what was currently advised. I opted not to. I had a check up in January and was booked for mammogram in July. I subsequently discovered more discharge from sane breast so was sent for ultrasound. As this was the day before the lockdown in Ireland was announced the hospital was empty so a number of mammograms were also done. Saw consultant two weeks ago and advised I could have conservative excision surgery (lumpectomy) with possibly of second surgery depending on results or radical surgery, removal of nipple and areola. I opted for conservative and he hopes to do same before July. I am having second thoughts as I don't think I want to have two general anesthetics in a hospital during covid 19 lockdown and to have the wait times in-between as there are so many surgeries on hold. Has anyone had their nipple and areola removed and is the recovery time similar to a normal lumpectomy?  He also thinks I'll need radiation treatment this time. I'm school based and if we reopen in September I'd like to be well enough to start instead of being off sick. What questions should I be asking? I'm in a dilemma, I feel I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't.

  • Hi

    Whilst I can't specifically answer your query I have had a lumpectomy one side and an mx the other (which obviously included removal of nipple & areole).  If I compare and contrast the mx (which may be more similar to the removal that you're debating?) the lumpectomy was, for me (and I had 2 at the same spot!) insignificant compared to the mx, probably more as I had both at the same time I hasten to add.  The mx operation itself was fine and recovered really quickly, a lot of mobility and ability back after 4 weeks.  I had minimal mobility issues the lumpectomy side.

    It may be worth asking your question to your support team or alternatively call breast cancer now charity who may be able to put you in touch with someone who has undergone the same through their "someone like me" program.

    If you need the extra op hope your recovery is quick.

    Sam