Single or double mastectomy
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@Belgrave14 The only reason I kept one side was because hubby was very pro me keeping one.1
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My left had gone feral on me and the right had "abnormal geography" according to the ultrasound and other scans. I insisted that I wanted both off and was initially given all the "Not necessary, that's overkill, we'll monitor you very carefully "routine. I then told my surgeon that I felt that my right breast was a threat to my mental and emotional health, as well as potentially my future physical health. I asked her how she would feel if she knew that a convicted rapist lived next door to her...and that he had a duplicate key to her front door. No amount of reassurance such as "He has to report to his parole officer twice a week. He's completed a course in how to deal with his perverted behaviour, he's wearing an ankle monitor, so we know where he is at all times" and so on would ease her concern. After that, she said she understood completely my fear, real or imagined, and would remove both. Good move, as it turned out...the right side "abnormal geography" was an area of precancerous cells which apparently have a strong history of going bad. I wear my "fake titties" when going out (sometimes), but otherwise go F & F. My one big regret is that I no longer have a handy place to keep mt crochet hook or pen for marking off knitting patterns.6
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Love the analogy @AllyJay, I might steal it at my surgeon’s appointment on Friday if I have to! My plan was to go down the mental health route if necessary. The psychologist I am seeing happened to be at the Multi Disciplinary Team meeting where my case was presented and told me that everyone in the room was pretty much going WTF at the speed and shock factor of my diagnosis so I will use that in my favour.
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I opted to have a double mastectomy. My surgeon recommended single mastectomy but I insisted on having a double. They weren’t happy about doing it but I had to follow my gut and double mastectomy was the only option that made sense to me. Best decision I could have made for me. I have 2 small boys and I only plan on doing this once so threw everything at it. Chemo, radiation, herceptin etc... I’m not planning on going down the recon route at this stage. Couldn’t face another surgery at the moment and not sure why I would do it. My husband doesn’t care so not sure who I would be doing it for? I just want a healthy body and padded bras work a treat for me as was only an A cup before cancer! Good luck with your decision and just follow your gut! Xxx
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Mt rationale is very much like yours @Igray so I am hoping the conversation with my surgeon is an easy one 😊0
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If they won't do what you want them to, whatever you decide that is, get another surgeon. Mxx1
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Well, appointment with my surgeon was today and my double mastectomy is booked for 1 August. It’s nice to have certainly. Not sure what I was concerned about as his only response to “I want a double” was to say he wasn’t surprised that was my decision. I’ve been feeling really low for the past couple of days but knowing I’m nearly on to the next stage of this roller coaster ride cheered me up. Hope everyone else is ok this evening x
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Gawd, the ' like' button doesn't really cut it, but I'm glad you've decided on a course of action.
This shit is really hard and confronting. It's life changing stuff, but what choice do we really have? Everything is maybe, possibly, most likely... It's difficult to assess the evidence. In the end it's up to us to decide what we are willing to do.
Personally, I made a similar decision and don't regret it. Mxx
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Well done on making a difficult decision. Be gentle with yourself over the next six weeks. Big hug, K xox1
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Well done, @Belgrave14. The uncertainty is the worst but now you have made your decision you will breeze on through it. Al the best for the 1st August.1
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That’s great news, I always say go with your gut feeling.
Surgeons need to remember this is our body, we are not asking them to remove their tits......
I probably feel like most people that have or had BC , it’s almost as if your boobs become poison to you and you just want them gone to help, prevent this hideous disease coming back.
Choice to have reconstruction or leave flat is a personal decision and only you can make that choice.
Wishing you all the best for your surgery I’m sure it will run smoothly.
Keep is updated.
Sending hugs your way xoxo2 -
I had a mastectomy on the left. I was never offered a double. I had to wait 2 years before reconstruction. It was a long wait, but reconstruction has been the best decision I have made. I hate mammograms, but i love having some sensation in the right breast and the appearance of being myself again. It’s been about 4 years so far and i’m happy with the results. I can totally understand why some women have them both removed. The issue for me at the time was increased pain and looking back drainage tubes on both sides must be a nightmare.2
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Congrats on your decision @Belgrave14 (and I'm glad the surgeon didn't hassle you). I too had both removed even though the cancer was only in one, and decided on no reconstruction. I'll also be getting fully tatted up at the end of the year
. The drainage tubes weren't that bad for me, you'll just be sleeping on your back for a fair while. All the best for your surgery xo 1
