Hi There
I went through chemo, single mastectomy and now going through radiation. Path reports came back clear after surgery, doing radiation as a precaution. 6 mos from now I am getting reconstruction. Still have option to get other breast removed if I want, even though there is no cancer there. Any thoughts on what to do.
What does your surgeon say? I asked mine after my single mastectomy almost 5 years ago and he said I didn't need one. Sometimes I just think it's easier to have none: less worries. But for me, ultimately, less surgery is better.
Twelve years ago I had a miniscule, 4 millimeter lobular carcinoma. Was advised to have a lumpectomy and radiation. Because of family history, I chose a mastectomy. Since this was my choice, was offered a double mastectomy. Did that. Was advised by two oncologists that treatment was not needed... Five years later had a recurrence picked up by the surgeon - no lump, just a dimple on the side of the chest. Surgical removal. No positive nodes in either surgery. Radiation treatment followed. Clean so far for seven years. My thoughts today? I should have listened to my surgeon. Possibly a lumpectomy and treatment may have been sufficient for me. Can't tell you what to do. Don't know your age or your family history of possible multiple breast cancers. Also don't know what kind of reconstruction you are planning to have. If you have prepping for an implant, you don't have to worry.
I was present at a SHARE reconstruction meeting. This beautiful lady had undergone a mastectomy and flap reconstruction years prior. She was now diagnosed with cancer of the other breast, and there was no more tissue or muscle left for this reconstruction . She was asking if her previously reconstructed breast could be modified and if she could have matching implants on both breasts. Tough decisions. Good luck! Also, agree with BklynCatwoman !
Hello. This is really a personal decision. I know people who remained cancer free having none removed or both. And I know some the cancer came back after all the precaution. Mine has metastasized into the liver and nothing is stopping its growth. We are praying for a miracle. Reconstruction is painful so but worth it I hear. Good luck and may God bless.
I'm curious what motivates you to consider a prophylactic mastectomy? Would it be for peace of mind or cosmetic concerns? If the latter, the plastic surgeon who does your reconstruction can typically do a lift of the healthy breast to achieve symmetry. I personally had a bilateral mastectomy but opted to go flat--no reconstruction and no prostheses. It was a relatively uncomplicated, pain-free experience for me, and I was able to get back to work and to my yoga mat within a couple weeks. It did not, however, really allay my anxiety in the early years about a recurrence. Time did that for me. I'm now a dozen years out from diagnosis, and no longer wake up each morning with fear in my gut. You're lucky that you have a few months to figure out how you want to proceed. My advice would be to have a very frank conversation with your plastic surgeon comparing the likely cosmetic outcomes of a single vs. double mastectomy, and another conversation with your cancer doctor to discuss whether a prophylactic mastectomy would reduce your risk of recurrence. Good luck with your decision!
The plastic surgery is the answer. I had been thinking about a trip to Singapore, but I've found this doctor to be satisfying for me au.linkedin.com/in/dr-micha....
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