Anyone had double mastectomy (rather than lumpectomy)?

Hi,

Just wondered if anyone else has had a double mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy, and if so what the recovery is like?

I have 2 known cancerous lumps, one in each breast, both ER and PR +ve, one is HER +ve (but doesn’t need more treatment), the other HER -ve.  Both are about 6-7mm on MRI.  I went with one lump, wasn’t seen on mammogram, so had MRI scan and they saw 2 other areas.  One cancerous on biopsy, the other benign, but doc thinks it may not be accurate?  So I was given the option of MRI guided biopsy and then poss lumpectomies both sides plus radiotherapy, or double mastectomy. 

At age 61, don’t think I’d have reconstruction but just wondered if others have decided on mastectomy rather than lumpectomy, and how you found it?

Thanks!

@sunlover100

Hi

I had a double mastectomy with some lymph nodes removed from one side.   One breast had cancer the other was preventative because of brca gene

I wanted implants straight away but was given an expander instead.    Not able to use own fat as didn’t have enough for 2 reconstructions. 

After the op I wasn’t allowed to raise my arms above shoulder level as I had drains in.    Had to take it slow and careful.    Slept with extra pillows.     Couldn’t pick up anything of weight and sitting was awkward, some chairs were a no no as I couldn’t get comfy and then some chairs I couldn’t slide forward to stand up and would get stuck.

The hardest is the first couple of weeks. I needed constant help.  If you have time try strength exercises before the op to be as strong as possible. 

I have had my implants for 8 months now they are so much better than the expander which I had for 10 months.   

Physio is needed every day as it tightens up. Physio takes @15 minutes if doing it all at once.  I often split it up through out the day.  I went for a session at the hospital to be shown what to do as I couldn’t relax and I was worried about the cording in my arm from chemo .     

I also massage every day to help stop scar tissue from building up. 

I wear non wired bra’s and apart from very little sensation they are very much like normal breasts. 

Been on holiday and wore bikini. 

Hope this helps, message if you want to know more. 

Best wishes for your op xx

Not sure if this is the correct thing to do, in replying to an older post, but it seems the most relevant to my situation - or should I have posted a new thing entirely? I hope sunlover 100 has recovered and is content with their decision. I’m having to decide between a bi-lateral mastectomy or a mastectomy & a lumpectomy; no choice for one breast with 3 cancers but the other breast has just 1 cancer. My first thought was to have a bi-lateral to get it all over with, but the consultant said it would be a 50/50 choice for the breast with just 1 cancer - so I need to choose. How do I choose?