I saw the surgeon yesterday about removing other breast as preventative surgery. After bc and full treatment tested positive brac1. Asked about reconstruction to both sides while having 2nd mastectomy. The reconstruction taking fat from stomach. Was told by both surgeon and breast cancer nurse that the plastics department who I am not being referred to will only do one breast at a time go away recover and then wait again to be called for 2nd reconstruction. I always thought both would be done at same time. Understand it a big op and can’t really face going down same road twice. Does anyone know is this usual? Would appreciate any comments or advice. Thank you Sue
Hi Sue
You are welcome to give our helpliners a call they are specialist breast care nurses and they will be able to offer you information and support. The number is 0808 800 6000 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Best wishes
Katie
Sue I had both done at the same time using tummy 6 weeks ago, so not sure why you have been told this. Maybe its just different surgeons opinions. Mine was in Salisbury.
Hi Suekam,
There has been alot of women on this site that have had bilateral reconstruction, myself being one of them, I had bilateral mastectomy in Aug 06, then had to wait a long 9 months before the recon, but now I’ve had it I’m well happy. I had recon using the muscle and skin from my back, they channel the skin and muscle under your arm (under the skin) so keeping the skin attached to its original site (less risk of the skin dying), they re-open the mastectomy scar, put in the implant then the muscle goes over the implant and an ‘eye’ shape of skin is attached so sealing everything together. I was in hosp for 7 days with four drains in and I have to say the first night was the worst pain wise (was on morphine drip for first 12 hours) after that it was more uncomfortable than painful, found it difficult to sleep at night with the drains etc, found myself watching Troy at 4 am on my portable DVD player.
A friend of mine is having a bilateral mast and recon all done in the same operation as she carries the braca 1 gene, so it can be done. It must be something to do with different surgeons.
Hope you get what you want, stay positive
Love
Kaz xx
I had bilateral mastectomies and tram reconstruction all at the same time ( for risk reducing surgery). It does seem to depend on the surgeon, and your circumstances of course.