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unknown's avatar
unknown
Member
9 years ago

double mastecomy

Hi,  Reading Tanya's blurb dated September,  I also don't know why we can't have a double mastectomy, so many women I know have had cancer in one breast, had surgery then  4 - 6 years later had cancer in second breast and you guessed it had a second  mastectomy.    I had cancer diagnosed in October last year 2015 and had mastectomy left breast and reconstruction.  I also suggested double mastectomy but was told it was extreme.  I am now thinking of having mastectomy on right breast - eg no need for continuing 6 month 12 month scans plus I am young enough to recover from surgery.  I am interested in opinion of others who are considering the same, or who have had double mastectomy at different times.  thanks.  I think we should talk to our breast care nurses and surgeons and let them know how important it is for us to be able to make the decision if we want a double or single mastectomy . 
mastectomy

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  • ScorpionQueen's avatar
    ScorpionQueen
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    9 years ago
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    I think it does rely on the pathology of your cancer....these days I'm of the understanding they like to conserve as much breast as possible, which is fair i suppose...BUT like you said alot of women have had the cancer return in the healthy breast left behind...I never had that dilema....It was pretty much decided for me, based on my cancer, tumour size, stage, node involvement etc and the fact that they would never be able to match my HH sized boob, even with a reduction to match the reconstructed one....so i had a bi lateral mastectomy with expanders after chemo....

    I find it weird how when you have cancer they say no to bi lateral....yet some will do 'preventative' mastectomies? Good luck

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
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    9 years ago
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    I asked my surgeon for a double mastectomy.  He told me all my options and then agreed with my decision.  I have never regretted it.  I had tnbc metaplastic which is pretty virulent, and didn't want to live with the worry.  The MO agreed and also went with a hysterectomy as a preventative measure.  What was your pathology?  Hope you get to make your own decision finally - let us know how you are going. xx Michelle
  • ccasper's avatar
    ccasper
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    9 years ago
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    Hi there. I am having chemo before surgery. I plan to have a DMX with immediate recon. I have not been questioned at all. My reasoning for the DMX is that I am 30 years old and I am also can be a worrier. So straight off with them as opposed to trying to find lumps in them again. And hope to never have BC or the big C every again! #seeyounevercancer
  • unknown's avatar
    unknown
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    9 years ago
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    Hi ChrissK.  great that it worked out for you, that is good news.  I don't know if its worth going thro surgery (for 2nd mastectomy)  as a preventative measure.  or waiting and hoping I don't get cancer again.  how I wish  I had been stronger in asking for a double mastectomy or going for a 2nd opinion, at the time there is so much to think about and I didn't realise until much later how important it was for me.
  • ChrissK's avatar
    ChrissK
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    9 years ago
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    Hi there... I too don't understand how some Dr's can "dictate" not to give a double mastectomy, your body your choice, I must admit once i found out I had BC I made the decision right there and there to do a DMX and I had no issues with any of my drs.  Good luck!