Forum Discussion

kel016's avatar
kel016
Member
14 years ago

Profilatic mascetomy

Just wondering how many ladies have opted to have a double mastectomy with cancer only in one breast to try and eliminate the possibility of it coming back. Also was your choice based on a genetic factor or purely prevention and peace of mind?? Thanks kel xxxxxx

80 Replies

  • Hi Kel,

    I had a mastectomy in June and next month I am going to see my surgeon for a referral to a plastic surgeon for reconstruction.  At the same time, I will be having the other breast off.  I have not had any genetic testing and do not know if there has been anyone in forebears with it as they have all died.

    I am having it to reduce my worry about it coming back in other one and also as the one I have left is large and saggy and it would be hard to match up.  There have been many women on this site who have had a breast reoccurance and that scares me.

    My surgeon says that I will probably have a DIEP flap which is a long op.(10 hours or more for two breasts)but he says they have been getting good results and is happy to support my decision.

    I have heard that medicare only pays for cancerous one and that health funds dont give much back but have not enquired yet.

    Julia

     

  • Hi Kel,

    I had a mastectomy in June and next month I am going to see my surgeon for a referral to a plastic surgeon for reconstruction.  At the same time, I will be having the other breast off.  I have not had any genetic testing and do not know if there has been anyone in forebears with it as they have all died.

    I am having it to reduce my worry about it coming back in other one and also as the one I have left is large and saggy and it would be hard to match up.  There have been many women on this site who have had a breast reoccurance and that scares me.

    My surgeon says that I will probably have a DIEP flap which is a long op.(10 hours or more for two breasts)but he says they have been getting good results and is happy to support my decision.

    I have heard that medicare only pays for cancerous one and that health funds dont give much back but have not enquired yet.

    Julia

     

  • No worries, Kel. We don't mind creative spelling. :)  But if you do want to change what you've written (any time), you can just click on the 'edit' tab at the top of your post, make the changes, then scroll down and save.