Double or single?

I have had a double, but  had a recurrence and both my cancers were not picked up in mammogram so I had my reasons.  I think @rowdy has given good advice with the list of pros and cons.  I think with the strong family history you would probably need to have a long conversation with both your surgeon and oncologist if you have one.  It's a tough decision and unfortunately one only yo can make.
Hugs Paula x

I am 12 days post op bilateral mastectomy with implants. I had a lumpectomy in 2011 prior to that i had chemo and another surgery to remove more lymph nodes (DCIS and hormone positive). This is a new cancer on the left breast I have chosen the double as the least down time and fingers crossed had not spread further which meant no chemo. Cancer has taken up too much of my life- i chose the least down time and am blessed no more cancer was found. I find there are many choices and you need to make what suits you and your lifestyle for this time. There is no wrong or right. But there certainly is pain to deal with, as is after any surgery. All the best with your choices. 

HI @cupcake, I am almost 3 months post double and tram flap recon. I found the time leading into making the decision to have one or both off quite confronting, and there was lots of well meaning advice from friends, most of who had never had cancer of any sort.. For me it was a lengthy discussion with my husband and Dr,that helped me decide, utlimately I went with both primarily to avoid going back to mamograms and scans and the nervous wait for results, as this was my second round of having breast cancer. I am really happy with my recon, although still recovering physically and mentally, dont regret my decision at all.. I wish you all the best in the decision and surgery to come.  

I  chose double as the surgeon thought it might return in the second breast as it was multi focal. 7 years this Easter and never regret it .

Im with rowdy after 6yrs and a recurrence i have no brca gene so had single. No reason for me to do double and im glad now as I'll have a small revision and they will match perfectly. Very individual trust what feels right for you. X Melinda 

Ten years ago, when it wasn't common practice, I had to fight to get a double. I've never regretted it. My disease has returned, but that's what my particular variety does. At least I was spared a decade of stressing about a boob that turned out, once it was removed, to be corrupted anyway. I think once the initial horror settles, pragmatic decisions get easier, if it is the right thing for your individual circumstances.

I chose a bilateral as I had high family risks..but I now know do not have an identifiable gene. But my cancer wasn't picked up in a mammogram 5 weeks before I foubd a lump due to breast density. For my own piece of mine and at the suggestion of the surgeon I underwent a skin sparing mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction. I will go for changeover in a month. So far happy with the result. I guess the thing to think about is the loss of real breast sensation...regardless of procedure. I've adjusted..but it is a big change and sonething to ponder.

Sit down and write a list of  reasons why and why not, sometimes this helps seeing it written in front of you. I had one off with immediate reconstruction (tramflap) I did consider both but I have no family history. I have no regrets and have just had my 3 year check up all clear .In the end it is what you feel comfortable with, there is no right or wrong just a decision you need to make

@Cupcakes apply to the Group ... Choosing Reconstruction they will be able to answer more specifically any questions you might have. ... http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

Thank you ladies. It's all just so confusing. I am quite small and want to have reconstruction, probably TRAM flap.