Newbie

Hi, I also opted for a double mastectomy, as my first tumour didn't show up on a mammogram. I had 2 of them 3 months apart, and still it only showed on the ultrasound. I was always going to have trouble trusting a mammogram. I did have an MRI, which showed nothing else suspicious, so my surgeon suggested sorting out the cancer first and returning 6 months after chemo for the other one. I did that, and have had reconstruction with implants, and am very happy. I know I did the right thing for me, and I have no regrets. Good luck with your decisions. Love Chris xx

Thank you everyone for your comments. They are very helpful and I feel better already just knowing I'm not just paranoid and have so many caring people to connect with. I am in the public system but the MRI sounds like a good idea. Thanks heeps

Hi Tracey

My surgeon wouldn't take both my breasts either.  He said it wasn't necessary as ultrasound showed no tumours.  With histology result after right mastectomy coming back as TNBC I will be definitely asking my surgeon if I can have a left breast mastectomy some time in the near future after all my treatments.  I don't want to have to have lymph nodes under arm removed again.

I am just wondering if you could get a second opinion?  Are you going private or public?

An MRI sounds like a good idea too to give you peace of mind.

Let us know how you get on with this.

Hugs

Joy xx

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.