Double or single mastectomy

judys

I am 77 and after 10 weeks of chemo have been offered a right mastectomy and a "clip" under local and then lumpectomy for the left breast. I am tending towards a double mastectomy. I have read up on possible (ie very few) advantages in preventing further cancer. Can anyone tell me the downsides? 
Will recovering after surgery be longer. Will I feel more balanced? Can this avoid radiation treatment?
Any help will be welcome.

lrb_03

Welcome to the site, @judys. You'll find lots of help & support here. 
Whilst you don't say, I'm guessing from yor reference to surgery on both breasts that you have tumours on both sides? Only you you can decide what surgery you are more comfortable with, after discussion with your team. 
As far as radiotherapy goes, a lot will depend on the extent of the tumours, and any node involvement, as determined at the time of surgery.
Do you still have more chemo to go, before your surgery happens? If so, why not ask for a discussion with a radiation oncologist, in order to find out what information may lead to you needing or not needing radiotherapy. Often, with a mastectomy & no node involvement,  radiotherapy isn't given, but there are all sorts of variables.
Again, I can't stress enough, talk to your team, ask lots of questions, in order to make the best decision for you. 
Take care

MaryB83

I will be having a double as a preventative measure (haven’t had it so don’t know much about recovery- just that I need an extra drain). I do know that I still have to have radiation to my affected side regardless because of size, type and node involvement.
good luck with your journey

jackie 4

Hi, I had no choice and needed a right side mastectomy.  Everyone is different but I never hesitated from the very beginning to have a double mastectomy.  I was questioned by my specialist and again by breast surgeon as to the reason why I wanted this.  I think they didn't want me making emotional decisions that I might regret - in my case I have never regretted the surgery.  I had a history of cysts and would probably have freaked out if I had found a lump in my remaining breast. Also symmetry was aIso a consideration - I have breast prosthesis in my bra which are provided at no cost every two years I have been told, but can also opt to go bra less if I choose. I will hopefully have breast reconstruction surgery before Christmas.  It is personal choice just make sure you are aware of the options.  I personally had no problems recovering after surgery.  Good Luck xxx 

judys

Thanks to you all for the replies.

primek

If you had cancer in your other breast I can't imagine why they would suggest a lumpectomy on one and mastectomy on the other. You will need to wear a prosthesis for  balance andcto avoid back issues..if the other breast has a small tumor and no nodes you may be able to avoid radiotherapy with a mastectomy.  Ask your surgeon about this. 

The recovery is a bit longer but not by much. 

I had a bilateral with reconstruction.

It does reduce the risk of a new primary cancer in a different spot of the breast. It doesnt show much difference in stats in regards to preventing metastases.

One bonus is no more mammograms needed ever again.

Eli86

@judys Hi Judy and welcome! I’m 46 and having the double tomorrow. I have tumours in only one side, but for me any risk of recurrence in my other breast was too big a risk to ever put my family and young children through again. It is a huge decision though and It took me weeks to make though but once I did it just felt right. My only advice would be to allow yourself time to be comfortable with your decision. Big hugs xx

kmakm

Hi Judy. I had a tumour in my right breast. I had to go back for a re-excision for margins. The pathology revealed 4cm of DCIS that hadn't shown up in the mammograms or ultrasounds. I have a bad family history, quite dense breasts so all these factors and some others led me to have a double mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. The pathology from that operation showed up yet more occult cells (DCIS not visible in scans).

I miss my nipples so much but I have zero regrets. I feel deeply relieved that I don't have to have a mammogram and all the associated scanxiety ever again.

I had chemotherapy but because I had no spread to nodes and a double mastectomy I did not have to have radiation.

Best of luck with your decision. Let us know how you get on. K xox

Michelle_R

Hi @judys. Like some others, I opted for a double mastectomy and have never regretted it.  I wanted to reduce any risk, as there was family history, and was pleased to have symmetry in my clothes, with or without prostheses.  The healing time was surprisingly quick, with no complications.  I did have 28 radiation treatments after chemo (due to the history).  I was in my sixties when diagnosed.  All the best with your decision - whatever you feel most comfortable doing! xx

lgray3911

I had breast cancer in my left breast but opted for double mastectomy. Both my surgeon and husband were against the idea and wanted me to just focus on the side with cancer but that just didn’t sit right with me. I needed to get both removed for my own piece of mind. So happy I did. The recover was really quick and easy and I had no issues after surgery. I had to have radiation aswell as chemo. Good luck, trust your gut and do what feels right for you! Xx