Bi lateral mastectomy/ options when cancer only in 1 breast

Hi Nikki,
thank you for sharing your experience. 
I will investigate further I will deal with cancer first, then talk to other surgeons and plastic surgeons about reconstruction and suggestions in getting an asemetrical overall look with fake boob and other boob, I'm glad I joined this forum, my surgeon didn't even explain what could be done to help me feel good about the reconstruction, I am in public system, and although ithey are very good they only give cancer saving advice I think, I have just bought private health insurance and will have the 12 month waiting period to research research research to explore all options for reconstruction later on. 
Thank you 
hugs
chrissy 

Hi Chrissy. welcome. Everyone is different and you will make a decision that works for you.

I had DCIS and early stage invasive carcinoma in my left breast. Had a mastectomy because it was multifocal. Luckily no node involvement. The surgeon said I had just about the same chance as everyone else in the population for getting BC in my right breast. I know my partner was concerned and he actually asked whether or not it would be a better idea if both breasts were removed - but the surgeon wasn't for it and told me, in my case, it wasn't necessary. I'm happy with that decision - especially as next week I go in for a DIEP reconstruction and my plastic surgeon will be reducing my right breast to match my new (f)boob (fake boob).

Good luck as you explore and consider all the options available to you. Nikki x

In 2015 i was told i needed to have a mastectomy of my right breast and the surgeon recommended having a reduction of the other breast for comfort as i was large breasted. I insisted on bilateral mastectomies but have not yet explored rectonstruction options. At the time i didn't want to deal with anything else. In retrospect i sometimes wish i had taken the surgeon's original recommendation as wearing prostheses is uncomfortable and hot. Do what feels right for you and explore all your options.
Hugs Anne

Hi Chrissy555, Sorry you have joined our network but Welcome and sending a huge hug. I had a single skin and nipple sparing mastectomy in my left breast last June. Surgeon is looking at reduction, then small implant on right breast then fat grafting on both to match them. She won't consider any surgery before 12 months and I can understand why. In the last 3-4 months the implant has softened incredibly and dropped slightly and the surgeons anticipate this in their time frames. I think the main thing is that you are satisfied with the reasons for going for single or double. You know yourself better than anyone else and if you are unhappy or uncertain and cannot feel comfortable with the decisions your surgeon is making seek a second opinion. Please let us know how you get on. Wishing you all the best. Xx Cath

Chrissy, Certainly lots of great shared experiences here, so worthwhile doing the homework. My Team of Medical Professionals including the Geneticists opinions for me were, with a diagnosis of 2011 Lumpectomy DCIS-radiation-tamoxifen 4yrs, Recurrence 2015 Lumpectomy 2.5cm tumor ER+ only, Stage 2, Grade 3 Chemotherapy and now Arimidex. Negative for Genetic Testing, one family member my Mum had Breast Cancer, no other history of it. Geneticists said liklihood of getting it in the other breast based on my entire diagnosis is no different to getting it normally, not higher at all, so they recommended it unnecessary. However as many have said for them its the control and knowing with a double they dont have to deal with it again, perfectly understandable. Its so individual and I think once you know everything about your case particularly you can make a decision that is purely the best for you. Its about you nobody else. Hugs Melinda xo

Hi Chrissy
I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and opted for double mastectomy. For me it was because I had to take some control and could not live with the thought that it may come back in the other breast. When I finish my treatment I want to be done with cancer but that's just me. I had the surgery on the 9th of March and have no regrets. My boobs were tiny to start with though so less traumatic for me personally to have them removed. Am going to get full reconstruction once treatment is finished. Good luck xx

Hi Chrissy, I had a mastectomy and reconstruction in October 2016.  I asked about a double mastectomy and was told it was extreme. I wish, and wish I would have asked for a second opinion. I am now considering a second mastectomy and have found surgeon who thinks its ok.  The risk of breast cancer reoccurring in the second breast is higher than if you have never had breast cancer and the risk goes up 1/2 a percent each year.....  The idea of having a yearly mammogram and waiting .....  and I would rather have surgery now when I'm fit and healthy than in 5 or 10 years time, and yes I know I may not get cancer but I know I might.  

Chrissy, absolutely so much to think about, it can be difficult and I know for me, I too thought Gee my boobs wont match! the Plastic Surgeon looked at me strangely, well I didnt know...and so Ive seen before and after and honestly its amazing! He said he couldnt do the right lift at the time as the reconstruction has to settle and then he can see how the right has to change and if he needs to take a little out of the reconstructed one, they also make sure the tummy incision is all ok and sitting right as its massive from beyond left hip past the right hip. So Im looking forward to the end result. Its a huge decision and it is true...so sift through it all and do what is right for you. Hugs Melinda xo

I had a single left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in 2015, I had a tramflap with a lift on the other side. I have no regrets. You have a lot of questions to ask, I did consider a double but I have no family history and surgeon said I didn't need a double.. There is always a chance it can come back as they can't get all the breast tissue, they get as much as they can. Good luck with your decision there is no right or wrong just what you decide, your body your choice

Just wanted to add, I have had a full auxiliary clearance from my left arm