Newbie

Hi Tracey, I'm sorry you are faced with this decision. I found a lump in my right breast. I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy for many reasons. My surgeon was happy enough to do it. As the left mastectomy was elective I was unable to have the procedure in a public hospital...therefore I had a bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in the private system. There is added cost involved in going private. If you were able to get the MRI there would be a couple of advantages....you would know if the other breast was cancer free or not. If the worse happens and it is cancer , you would be eligible to have a bilateral mastectomy in the public system with minimal cost to you. If the MRI is clear, you will have some peace of mind and know you could still have right mastectomy if you choose but knowing there will be a cost. I'm not sure if you have been told about your options for reconstruction. Please be aware that you do have options for immediate as well as delayed reconstruction. It is a huge choice and only one you can make. Weigh up your options and decide what makes you happy.