Hi @Finny61 - sorry to see you join our exclusive little club - but we are here to support you ..... whack up any question you have & hopefully we'll be able to give you honest answers, as we've 'been there, done that'. xx
Have you had the gene test for BRCA, given your family history? That may well influence your decision too. There are many women who have had preventative surgery & had both breasts removed (but not me - I had a lumpectomy on my right boob.) Some have found cancer in both - others just in the 'nominated' one ... You just need to be very comfortable with your decision - which ever one you decide on.
Be guided by your surgeon - write down ALL your questions & tick them off & take notes (or record the appt) so you should get all the answers - as they will have seen many similar 'cases' as yours .... In a perfect world, having both breasts removed to prevent a recurrence would be wonderful (if it always worked out that way) - but being totally honest up front here, some, sadly, still do go to have a recurrence .... so having a double isn't a 100% guarantee - tho as @Cath62 said - her friend is 20 years out without a recurrence, so that is pretty good!! Make sure you ask the surgeon about % recurrence after a Double xx
Have you considered whether you want a reconstruction or prefer to stay flat? We have 2 private groups that you can join and ask questions from both. They also have photos of what you can expect, both staying flat or having reconstruction.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/groupsJump onto this thread for a lot of 'general' info on the forum - and other areas that we 'play around with'! You can show off your pets, your art & craft, your garden ..... and we even have a couple of funny threads too - as we all need a good belly laugh now & then!!!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latesttake care & all the best xx