Total left mastectomy vs expander/implant?
Hi everyone - I’m newly diagnosed and have found BCN hugely helpful and reassuring. I have bilateral early cancers - invasive ductal (left side) and invasive lobular (right side). ER + PR + HER2 -....
Forum Discussion
Hi Vicki,
I'm 58 years old, only two weeks, post my second mastectomy (fourth surgery), my circumstances are very much similar to one of the responses (no name) to your question. I was diagnosed with invasive DCIS - right breast, in May this year. I had two unsuccessful attempts, then in August, a nipple sparing mastectomy with reconstruction/implant and for symmetrical reasons, I had a lumpectomy on the left side (tissue tested also but was cleared). I chose to have a mastectomy on the left for peace of mind. My surgeon did a great job.
There is still some numbness along the side of my right breast and the nipple, it's too early to say what's happening with the left side. I'm happy with how I look, the scarring on the right has been healing well. I use a cream to help with reducing the visibility of the scar.
I was a DD cup and now I'm a C. Quite a difference when comparing how clothes looked on me before and after, but still able to retain all my clothes.
After all of this, I'm all clear, no need for further treatment, just follow-up appointment in 6 months' time.
My right nipple is a little higher than my left (due to the location of the DCIS I think), but overall, I appear quite symmetrical, and no one would notice it but me. With that in mind I'm grateful that I've been able to get through this journey without having chemo or radiation treatments.
The whole Breast Cancer team from the time off diagnosis to post surgery are invaluable. They have some insightful advice but, in the end, it's your decision as to what you want to do.
Wish you good health and all the best on your journey.
I'm 58 years old, only two weeks, post my second mastectomy (fourth surgery), my circumstances are very much similar to one of the responses (no name) to your question. I was diagnosed with invasive DCIS - right breast, in May this year. I had two unsuccessful attempts, then in August, a nipple sparing mastectomy with reconstruction/implant and for symmetrical reasons, I had a lumpectomy on the left side (tissue tested also but was cleared). I chose to have a mastectomy on the left for peace of mind. My surgeon did a great job.
There is still some numbness along the side of my right breast and the nipple, it's too early to say what's happening with the left side. I'm happy with how I look, the scarring on the right has been healing well. I use a cream to help with reducing the visibility of the scar.
I was a DD cup and now I'm a C. Quite a difference when comparing how clothes looked on me before and after, but still able to retain all my clothes.
After all of this, I'm all clear, no need for further treatment, just follow-up appointment in 6 months' time.
My right nipple is a little higher than my left (due to the location of the DCIS I think), but overall, I appear quite symmetrical, and no one would notice it but me. With that in mind I'm grateful that I've been able to get through this journey without having chemo or radiation treatments.
The whole Breast Cancer team from the time off diagnosis to post surgery are invaluable. They have some insightful advice but, in the end, it's your decision as to what you want to do.
Wish you good health and all the best on your journey.