Are there Size options?
Hi, I am early 50s and having a double mastectomy in a couple weeks. I was lucky enough to have been picked up in early stage screening and lumpectomy was successful . I did not need chemo and just before I was due to start radiation my gene panel blood test came back that I have a brca mutation so on advice I am going with a double mastectomy and implant reconstruction. Decision was made fairly quickly as still active treatment and bypassing radiation. I never really asked about size and shape of implant, or maybe I just indicated same size is fine. Do you choose size? I’m in the public system and have my pre op appointment next week. Is this when it is discussed? I’m currently a saggy C and was curious if I have options…21ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Post Surgery Compression Bras
I'd love to get some advice on what to do about compression bras to wear post double mastectomy as mine is next month. (going from D-DD to tissue expanders) I have seen ones online that are hundreds of dollars but I don't know if they are worth it. Or should I look at getting cheaper ones from Kmart/Temu etc. I am struggling with how much to spend or if expensive ones are worth their price. Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks 🙂79ViewsSign in to react to this post1Comment
Dbl or single masectomy? public health
Hi, ive been diagnosed with dcis in left breast Aug 2026, but breast specialist says likely invasive too as its large, will need masectomy and probably need radiotherapy after too. Right has shown something of concern but cant get in for a biopsi via mri for 2 weeks but need to make decision asap as they want left off. Do i get left off and wait for right biopsi results, or get both off now? If i get right off without mri they say unlikely to get sentinol node biopsi done too yet i saw a private reconstruction specialist who has recomended both the sentinol nodes to be biopsied during bi lat masectomy and has helped inform my decison for a dble masectomy in terms of reconstruction outcomes, individual risk factors etc. I know if the results come back invasive cancer in right it will be hard to do biopsi of sentinol node and likely need all nodes stripped which can lead to lymphodema and those issues. Amyone else have any ideas? Public system challenges?45ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Mastectomy
Hi I was diagnosed with invasive TNBC in April 2026. I carry the BRAC2 gene. In May I had the lumpectomy removed and then I had 11 rounds of chemo. I am due to have a bilateral mastectomy this week with reconstruction. I am a little concerned about the surgery. Could you please assist with how surgery went, pain, recovery etc. Thank you . Milva192ViewsSign in to react to this post7CommentsPost surgery help
I'm having surgery in a week and a half - double mastectomy and reconstruction. I've been advised it will be a 6 week recovery period with two weeks of not being able to drive. I'm an immigrant single parent (two kids, 9 and 12) with no family here but a strong social network. I've been mulling over how to organize help at home - what level of help have others found was needed after similar surgery? One of my siblings has offered to come and stay with us for a couple of weeks - I'm inclined to accept as I'm thinking it will be easier to have another adult with us full time rather than having to organize multiple different people who are coming and going. How long was help needed with housework etc?117ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsDouble Lumpdectomy or Double Mastectomy????
Hi everyone, First time on here and have been reading such amazing and positive posts. Thank you. I was recently diagnosed with Synchronised Bilateral Early Stage Breast Cancer with Multifocal on the right side. My density is D so it was the MRI that showed the right side, not the mammogram. Both sides hormone receptive invasive carcinoma. Genetic testing done, started hormone therapy so could wait the 5 weeks for results. Should have them in 2 weeks. I would like to know if a double mastectomy wouldn't be such a bad idea regardless of the above results. I am 52, was peri, and am already anxious. From what I have read about the multiple lumpdectomy surgeries and to assure margins, combined with my density I am worried what else they may find. So far lymph nodes clear but not yet formally biopsied. 3 small, under 2cm tumours and lesion in right 1 small 2cm tumour in left. Any advice, or personal experience from a similar situation, would be so helpful. I would like to take in as much knowledge as I can to my next appt with the surgeon so I can make an informed decision. She is gunning for a lumpdectomy if not genetic but then said in the same sentence I may need more than one surgery. Thanks in advance. This is such an overwhelming time. Kind regards Aimee Ps, not quite up with the correct terms so hopefully haven't confused anyone.138ViewsSign in to react to this post4Comments
Bilateral mastectomy + SLNB + TAD
Hi everyone, I'm having a bilateral mastectomy in two weeks, and while I've been getting information from my medical team, I know there's so much that only people who've been through it can share. If you've had a bilateral mastectomy, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. Looking back, what do you wish you'd known beforehand? What should I realistically expect during the first few days and weeks of recovery? I'd also love any practical tips, such as: Things that made recovery easier. What you recommend doing before surgery to prepare. Items you found helpful to have at home or in the hospital. Advice for managing drains, sleeping, showering, getting dressed, or moving around. Things that surprised you (good or bad). Any emotional or mental health tips that helped you cope. I know everyone's experience is different, and I'm not looking for medical advice—just personal experiences and practical wisdom from those who've been there. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. Reading your stories and advice means a lot as I prepare for surgery.201ViewsSign in to react to this post4CommentsMastectomy drain bag belt
I am having a double total mastectomy soon and was wondering if anyone has purchased a drain belt and if so where did you purchase it and was it useful. Thanks.370ViewsSign in to react to this post7Comments
Post surgery pathology
Hi there, I had a double mastectomy last week following a cancer diagnosis in April. I had sentinel lymph nodes removed as part of the surgery and am assuming the lymph node testing will infom the next steps/stage. I was disappointed to hear that the pathology on the lymph nodes will take at least 6 weeks due to a massive backlog in the Tasmanian public healthcare system. I'm curious to hear how long the wait is for lymph node testing in other states. I'd appreciate hearing how long other women generally have to wait please. I'm pretty anxious to know if the cancer has spread beyond my breasts, as well as to find out what the next steps are. Thanks for reading, Anna458ViewsSign in to react to this post11Comments
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