Bi lateral mastectomy/ options when cancer only in 1 breast

Hi Chrissy, I was diagnosed last October with 9cm tumour also left breast. My immediate reaction was that I wanted a double mastectomy, whether I had the gene or not. My maternal aunt is my only family member who has had breast cancer, and she had it in her left breast first, then a different type in her right breast 10 years later, so maybe that influenced my decision. Like you, I had chemotherapy first, and had a double skin sparing mastectomy with immediate implant (no expanders) reconstruction on 8th March. I will begin radiotherapy 3 weeks post surgery. I may have to have my left reconstruction re done, either with my own tissue or another implant after radiotherapy, but the radiooncologist said it may not be necessary with modern techniques so we will see. All the best for whatever you decide to do
Kate

Hi,
thank you for sharing your experiences.  I do not have the gene, so that is why surgeon has not recommended double mastectomy.  I will do lots more research, and look into seeing a good plastic surgeon, I live in Brisbane.  I had not considered having a lift in the other breast, I guess given finding cancer, I just feel I want them off, but I do have to weigh up whether this in fact will lessen the risk of finding cancer in the future in the other breast.
thank you
hugs  
Chrissy 

I guess you have many questions you need to ask and to think about.

What is your family history like? Do you have many women /close relatives with either Breast or Ovarian cancer in your family on either mother's  or father's sude.  Perhaps a genetic referral should be considered to out rule a gene mutation.

What is your breast density like? Is it moderate or high? Would there be risks of a new primary occuring and being undetected in the other breast. What better screening options are there fir higher breast density?

Can a reconstruction be done at time of surgery? Will I be able to have a reduction done on the remaining breast to help match the implant or flap reconstruction.

Be sure you understand your reasons for a bilateral. A bilateral doesn't prevent spread from the original cancer site. That is why chemo and radio are used.

I'm assuming they believe you have some positive nodes which is why they are planning clearance and radio already. This isn't unusual but a reconstruction can be started just prior radio and then finished off once it is completed.

So lots to think about. 

I chose a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy with immediate tissue expanders put in due to my family history and breast density. It was however at my surgeons suggestion.  It does considerably reduce breast cancer risk of that breast, but what your surgeon probably means that most women do not get breast cancer in the other breast without those other risk factors.

What we need to realise that even with reconstruction you lose sensation in most of your chest and if nipples are kept very very little sensation would return. Just a very light touch can sometimes be felt. So all this can impact in sexuality and it is lost forever. So it needs careful thought. Knowing all the facts. Knowing all procedures. Weighing up risks and understanding why you feel you should have both removed is important. 

This link might be helpful.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/prophylactic_mast

Best of luck. Sorry you have had to join our site but hope you find the support helpful. 

Kath x

Hi Chrissy, I  had a recurrence in 2015, 3cm tumor,  did chemo but not rads as did it 4yrs earlier. Im 15 months post chemo and large breasted too E cup and am recovering from a single mastectomy diep flap reconstruction all at once. Right now yes they are different but my revision surgery in 6 months he will lift the other to match. Its amazing in a bra at 3 weeks nobody can tell at all. Honestly matching im not worried as have an incredible plastic surgeon. I did lots of homework genetic testing as was negative. We all agreed a double was unnecessary. I have no regrets at all but really you need your complete pathology to make a decision also. Im ER+ only. Risk of other breast is like anyone else no increase.  Hugs Melinda xo