Single or double mastectomy

I had both off, even though there was no cancer in it. I had a bad family history, the mammograms I had failed to see two areas of DCIS, one very large, and had already had a lumpectomy & a re-excision for margins because of one of the unseen areas of grade 3 DCIS. I'm raising my sister's young kids after she died from BC, so a BMX was on the cards from the start, my diagnosis appointment. My BS was very sensitive to this.

It still took a lot thinking, questions and self-examination to make the decision to do it. But ultimately I trusted my gut. It seemed like the right thing to do and afterwards, when it was discovered that I had a gene mutation that greatly increased my risk of developing a new cancer, I felt it confirmed that I'd made the right decision. I wish I hadn't had to, but I have no regrets  K xox

I chose both breast to be removed and had reconstruction. It was my choice but suggested by my surgeon. I had dense breast tissue and had a clear mammogrsm only 5 weeks before i found a lump. My sister and niece had breadt cancer. My Aunts on my father side had either fied of ovarian o breast cancer...the last one died following breat, ovarian then another breast cancer. In my mind was always the thought if she'd had both she might still be alive. Whilst I have no gene like my Aunts, they believe my sister myself and niece probably have a yet undetected gene. 

So yes...removing the other breast does not reduce the risk of metastases, just the risk of a new primary breast cancer forming in the other breast.. I've miss my breasts but have never regretted the decision.

Hi there @Belgrave14. I had triple neg bc may 2016 left breast stage 2a grade 3 aged 43.  8 rounds of chemo, no lymph nodes involved and scans clear. I had cysty dense b cup  boobs and was never told having dense boobs could increase my risk until after treatment. I had the left boob off as I was told if I did I would only need chemo and no radiation so that was a no brainer for me. I had this done in the public system. This meant Less treatment plus avoided the logistical nightmare and costs  of getting to and from the Royal brisbane.

I took the other boob off as my guts told me too as a private  patient in the public system with the same surgeon  as he does both public and private which cost me $350 from memory  for the bed for the night and the rest was mostly bulk billed just a small out of pocket for the surgeon and I only had to pay the gap, nothing up front for him or the anaesthetist

. I haven’t had a recon, did consider it but decided I just simply didn’t want more surgery and  I would have to have four lots to get a good result and I am more than happy being flat and fabulous. I have no regrets with my decision.

 I work as a nurse and I never wear my prosthetics as I’m more than comfortable without them. Only pop them in if I’m going out somewhere. My surgeon said it’s not necessary either  to have a double but he also respected my decision. I would always be stressing  about the cysts etc. and wanted to avoid bloody mammograms.  I have a yearly chest wall and auxiliary ultrasound which I’m more than happy to do. This is my decision and was the right one for me. My advice is trust your guts no matter what.  All the best with whatever you decide. Big hug. Margie 💕

Single or double ?  If I knew then what I know now I would have insisted on a double mastectomy (this had never been mentioned to me).  One reason is the reduction in worry.  Another reason is that even wearing a prosthesis I find the real boob pulls the fakie across my chest, no matter how tight I have the bra.
Remember that you can always negotiate with the surgeon re his costs.  Are you going public or private ?  I have found surgeons waive any gaps if I use private cover.
Hope that helps.  Good luck with your pathway going ahead.
Anne

Hi @Belgrave14, I had a single mastectomy in 2016 & wanted a double but surgeon said it wasn’t necessary. I regretted that decision so in Feb this year had the other breast removed & double reconstruction and am very happy. I was always worried I would get cancer in the remaining breast & mammogram time was awful. I also have very dense breasts so that was a concern too. I hated being lopsided as well.  Doctors always go on statistics but I think you need to go with your gut feeling. I went private & the mastectomy part was mostly covered by Medicare & private insurance but you would need to check with your health fund. Good luck with your surgery & any decision you make. 

Sorry about typos!