Forum Discussion
Afraser
4 years agoMember
@Vix1963
Unfortunately it’s very hard to make generalisations. Risks of recurrence may vary due to the type of cancer, how advanced before surgery, general health, family history and other factors. Complications are simply....complicated. I had a single mastectomy and axillary clearance (17 lymph nodes removed). The mastectomy was virtually painless, I had a persistent seroma (fluid accumulation) also painless but a nuisance and I have lymphoedema (painless too and relatively mild with treatment). The seroma was finally banished and I will be 10 years with no evidence of disease later this year. Worth it? You bet! Is everyone the same? No. I kept my breast as I have no family history of bc, no known gene that will increase the chances and if I were to get cancer again, it’s as likely to be elsewhere in the body as my remaining breast. I feel comfortable about my choice. If I hadn’t, I might seriously have considered removal of both breasts. What others experience can enlarge your knowledge, but only you can decide what’s right for you. Best wishes.
Unfortunately it’s very hard to make generalisations. Risks of recurrence may vary due to the type of cancer, how advanced before surgery, general health, family history and other factors. Complications are simply....complicated. I had a single mastectomy and axillary clearance (17 lymph nodes removed). The mastectomy was virtually painless, I had a persistent seroma (fluid accumulation) also painless but a nuisance and I have lymphoedema (painless too and relatively mild with treatment). The seroma was finally banished and I will be 10 years with no evidence of disease later this year. Worth it? You bet! Is everyone the same? No. I kept my breast as I have no family history of bc, no known gene that will increase the chances and if I were to get cancer again, it’s as likely to be elsewhere in the body as my remaining breast. I feel comfortable about my choice. If I hadn’t, I might seriously have considered removal of both breasts. What others experience can enlarge your knowledge, but only you can decide what’s right for you. Best wishes.