Recently diagnosed and now contemplating double mastectomy. Would really appreciate your thoughts..

Hi @Grace21, I had left mastectomy & axillary clearance in August 2016. At the time I wanted the other breast removed but my surgeon was reluctant as she worried it would take longer for recovery & I needed to start chemo so I followed her advice. As it was I ended up with an infection & seroma & had 2 rounds of antibiotics. I then had 6 months of chemo & 5 weeks radiation. In February 2019 I had the right breast removed & double reconstruction (Diep). Everything went very well & I had a smooth recovery. I feel so relieved I don’t have to worry about that breast anymore. I have just a follow up ultrasound on my reconstructed breasts once a year. I have no regrets & am very happy with the reconstruction. It is totally up to you regarding the timing. If you have the breast removed at the time of recon it will make the surgery a bit longer. Mine took 12 hours. If that breast is going to cause you worry until removal then it might be worth considering to have it done now and then you can concentrate on your treatment & recovery & plan your reconstruction later. Best wishes for your ongoing treatment!