Unilateral vs. Bilateral - what did you do?

Hi Naomi

I had lumpectomy and SNB last year. Results came back triple negative and not clear margins (less than a mm). I opted to not delay chemo and had bilateral mastectomy once chemo finished.

In between found out also carried BRCA2 gene, was not a surprise as have a strong family history bc and gene positive. Long before diagnosis I had decided that I would have both removed if i got bc. 

I have now finished all treatment chemo, surgery, radiation and have no regrets with my decision to remove both. Have yet to decide on reconstruction.

You need to do what's right for you, it's a personal decision. All the best for surgery and for the rest of your treatment

Jodie ??

Hi blue wren, I'm 10 days post op now and feeling great. Each day gets better and better. Honestly, because of the really good pain meds they give you in the first few days, discomfort is kept to a minimum. Post op exercises are a really important part of the recovery process. I have full range of motion with my shoulders and the pulling that you feel initially eases significantly after a few days.  I am wearing a berlei bra with soft post op inserts at the moment and I have to say, they are a better shape than my real breasts. Glad I did the double even if one of my breasts was healthy. Really pleased with how it's worked out for me!

You are absolutely correct about only thinking one step at a time. Two surgeries already for you! You're a tough lady. I hope everything else goes smoothly for you. You deserve it.

hugs Mo xxx

Hi mighty oak. Nice to hear you are feeling okay and managing pain well with medication. Was wondering how it felt after surgery.I have had two ops recently. First was a little discomfort after wide excision but second time round I am a fortnight post op and feeling much better.Wishing this was it but can't wait for the next op to be over and then on the way to recovery. Good luck with your progress .interesting to hear your thoughts on a double mastectomy also as I am having right breast op but can only think one step at a time . If in doubt later I don't think I would hesitate to have another breast done also if there was a chance of going through all this turmoil again. Wishing you a speedy recovery also.x

Hi Naomi, good luck with your coming surgery. It is a huge decision making process for us all to get our heads around. I am facing a mastectomy of right breast in a few weeks. Still coming to terms with all this. I was wondering too about the op and pain level after. My breast care nurse said that some ladies in her opinion have minimal discomfort after op mostly with fluid build-up. It's comforting to know that ladies feel okay after it is all over .I also understand everyone s different but it's nice to share feelings. Wishing you a speedy recovery from your coming surgery. X

I think as SN were positive that would be why.

Good question - I have no idea. Sounds ridiculous but this has all happened so quickly and if  think about it, I have only seen the surgeons and med oncologist a handful of times and mostly post surgery to discuss surgery issues. I had a SN biopsy during the op which confirmed 3/5 were affected. My medical oncologist is focusing on prepping me for the AC Chemo which will start soon (still healing post-surgery as I had an infection in leg where grafts were taken which delayed chemo start). An appointment has been made for me to see Radiation Oncologist next week so will post their reasoning once I know. 

Hi Monique. .just wondering why you still require radiotherapy since you had a mastectomy?

Hi Naomi,

I am 2.5 weeks post surgery and was initially diagnosed with DCIS in my right breast following a biopsy, and because the margins were not clear they recommended a mastectomy and SN biopsy. I decided to have bilateral because I didn't want to live with the prospect of it returning. The pathology report came back after the surgery and was upgraded to Grade 3 IDC in the same breast. I am very pleased that I made the decision that I did. I now have 6 months of chemo ahead and radiation treatment ahead. I have absolutely no regrets, even though I was forced to make a decision very quickly. I opted for reconstruction using my skin flap which involved thigh grafts and they look incredible. 

When I am completely well, I will look at options to have a hysterectomy as I have ovarian cancer in my family. I have 3 teenage sons and at 49 will not be knocking on that door again! I think you must do what gives you peace of mind and for me it includes preventative surgery as a priority. Good luck with your surgery. 

Monique xx

hi Naomi V, 

I had a double mastectomy prior to knowing if I was BRCA +.... 

My results were triple Negative aggressive . 

that was in October 2012, I have never looked back. 

I love being flat and my problems with my neck and back are gone... I lost 8kg the day of surgery that is alot of weight around ones neck so to speak. 

If you wish we have a facebook page called Breast Cancer and Beyond - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bcnoffaaduaustralia

we are women who have chosen no reconstruction for various reasons if you want to come join the ladies will be happy to openly discuss with you their thoughts..... also. 

breathe and chose what feels right for you... 

Soldier Crab aka Alice

 Hi Claire, I feel great. Managing really well with no pain. I'm on slow release Targin and panadol. From what I understand most mastectomies don't cause significant discomfort. I was back from surgery at 8pm Friday and having a shower Saturday morning. As you are having a recon I think that will be more likely to cause some pain. Are you having immediate reconstruction or delayed? Compared to other surgeries I've had this has been a positive experience and I'm also able to do physio exercises with no problems. 

Mighty Oak