Breast Reduction After Lumpectomy, Breast Cancer. The first time I saw my breasts, I could not believe it!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 6/22 and was into Dr. Fichadia's office on recommendation by 7/7. You can imagine the fear, the questions, the uncertainty of my situation; Dr. Fichadia and her staff (especially Elle) were patient, kind, and empathetic to my situation.

I am 38 and single and I will admit after the diagnosis there was this fear that I would "lose" so much from this breast cancer. Not just my breasts, but my confidence, my sex appeal, my natural and full figured body (and chest) would be gone; I wouldn't be me anymore. I discussed my fears with Dr. Fichadia, she helped me to understand realistic expectations of a breast reduction while also pointing out some of the silver lining to the situation. She showed me pictures of women who had bodies like me and what their breasts looked like before and after reduction. I was surprised at how natural the breasts looked and the scarring was minimal. I was relieved not to be looking at pictures of 21 year old women and getting a slick sales pitch on plastic surgery. Dr. Fichadia told me I can choose what fits me and my lifestyle and I started to view this surgery in a different light! Less back pain, more clothing options, workouts without two bras, etc.

My surgery was completed on 8/2. I am 4 weeks post-op. I went from a size 36DDD to a full C or small D (I won't know my actual size for a few months). My request at my final pre-op appointment was to stay my natural shape (teardrop with more fullness on the bottom of the breast) and to be within C to D cup size.

Immediately after my surgery (within one day) I already noticed the change in my back pain and posture. The first time I saw my breasts, I could not believe it! Swollen, bandaged, and in a surgical bra my confidence had already begun to rise; the symmetry, shape, fullness, and nipple size were fantastic already! I was so excited to buy new bras and clothes. Shirts and tank tops I would have considered "house shirts" as they showed too much cleavage are now just in normal rotation. When I look in the mirror I don't see my breasts first anymore, I didn't even understand how much I was working around having a large chest until I had a smaller one. I never hated my large breasts and don't get me wrong, I understand a full C or D is still large to some people, but to me I still look like me...just a little more sculpted. My smaller waist stands out a little more, clothes fit a little better, and I feel like I have a more balanced silhouette. I used to wear a posture brace and ice my trap muscles almost daily, I have not had one day of pain in my traps or back since my surgery.

My Mom, my oncologist, my radiation oncologist, and my friends have all made very positive remarks about Dr. Fichadia's work (it isn't just me!). The remarks are about how minimal the scarring is, the shaping, and how appropriate the size is for my body type. Some of my friends have been looking into a reduction as well, that is the level of artistry we are talking about here. I do not have enough good things to say about the experience and the final outcome. I am still in recovery but I cannot wait to really work out and go running for the first time, my body is still healing but even after the 4 weeks the scarring is not as noticeable as I thought it would be and I have no pain.

In my breast cancer journey, this has been a light in a dark time. Everything aside, Dr. Fichadia is a talented surgeon and artist and my quality of life has been improved by her. I am so thankful.