Forum Discussion
Bi lateral mastectomy/ options when cancer only in 1 breast
Hi, i have Early breast cancer 7 cm tumour in left breast, do not know if nodes are involved as yet, however surgeon has recommended to have all lymph nodes under arm removed, and more than likely ra...
Hi @Chrissy555, it's good that you have time to really weigh up your choices and decide if you want to go ahead with a double mastectomy and possibly reconstruction as these are not easy questions and everyone has different life circumstances that will impact on what feels best for them. I had a single mastectomy with lymph node clearance and delayed (2yrs) DIEP (tummy tissue) reconstruction back in 2014 . I had a DIEP reconstruction (due to radiation) and as part of the reconstruction process also had a reduction on the other side, giving me two pretty symmetrical boobs. Although I do worry about a cancer occurring on the other side, one of the good things about keeping one breast is that it is sexually responsive whereas most reconstructed breasts will be numb or have a lot less feeling.
If you decide you'd like to pursue reconstruction, try to see a few different plastic surgeons as they all specialise in particular procedures and may not offer you the full set of options that you might want. In the meantime, please feel free to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group and check out the Reclaim Your Curves website for further information on the different types of mastectomy and reconstruction choices. Best of luck, Jane xx
If you decide you'd like to pursue reconstruction, try to see a few different plastic surgeons as they all specialise in particular procedures and may not offer you the full set of options that you might want. In the meantime, please feel free to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group and check out the Reclaim Your Curves website for further information on the different types of mastectomy and reconstruction choices. Best of luck, Jane xx