Query about mascetomy

Hi again, if you click on my name you can read my story. In short I had right breast multifocal invasive disease, 2 lumpectomy no clear margin. So it was decided to complete chemo then double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I chose to remove both breasts and had a skin sparing free TRAM flap.

There is a private 'breast reconstruction online group' where you can chat to women about their decisions. There is a discussion around your question of removing one or both. It might help to get a bit more information, if you want to join just follow the link and request membership http://www.bcna.org.au/group/61026

Louie XXX

Hi Louise,

Thank you for your reply and the related link, it's hard to know what to do, I appreciate your advice.  I think I will get in contact with the breast care nurse and perhaps have another talk to a surgeon about my risk factor. What type of reconstruction did you have?  I wonder if there are women here who have chosen to have only one breast removed. Any further advice would be much appreciated.  Love and hugs to you all xoxoxo

Hi Louise,

Thank you for your reply and the related link, it's hard to know what to do, I appreciate your advice.  I think I will get in contact with the breast care nurse and perhaps have another talk to a surgeon about my risk factor. What type of reconstruction did you have?  I wonder if there are women here who have chosen to have only one breast removed. Any further advice would be much appreciated.  Love and hugs to you all xoxoxo

Hi Louise,

Thank you for your reply and the related link, it's hard to know what to do, I appreciate your advice.  I think I will get in contact with the breast care nurse and perhaps have another talk to a surgeon about my risk factor. What type of reconstruction did you have?  I wonder if there are women here who have chosen to have only one breast removed. Any further advice would be much appreciated.  Love and hugs to you all xoxoxo

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for your response and words of encouragement.  Did you have a double mastectomy or just the one breast? Yes I had the lump removed, the surgeon recommended mastectomy which I will have in a few months. The onc. told me chemo is to be followed(which I have started, 2 cycles so far) and that I didn't need radiotherapy.  When I spoke to them I never thought of having the other brest removed, so that's why I wasn't sure as to who is the best person to go back and consult with. Thank you for your advice, I will ring the cancer council and see what they recommend. xxx

I am a bit confused. Have you had a lumpectomy/node removal - got your diagnosis - now preparing for mastectomy?

My surgeon was the one who recommended mastectomy, and he gave me all the pathology results - margins, nodes, type, stage and grade of cancer.

Then the Medical Oncologist was next.  After conferring with the surgeon, he decided on type and length of chemo, and if I needed radiation.

Then the Radiation Oncologist took over for that part of treatment.  They all conferred together, so your surgeon and oncologist have probably been deciding all your treatment all along.

Try not to worry.  Every case is different, so you can't compare with someone else.  If you contact the Cancer Council in your State, they will put you in touch with a counsellor over the phone who could probably put your mind at rest.  Also, the surgeon should have a breast care nurse you can contact for any questions or worries you might have. Talking to a professional will definitely help.  Stay in touch here on the site - we are here for you.  Michelle xx