Hi,
I’m 42 and booked in for a single mastectomy on 7 August, with no recon. I have a multi focal area total 6 tumours measuring 5cm, Er and pr+ her2-
I’m concerned about it coming back in my other breast. I asked the consultant what was the chance and he said 10-20% which is more than 0%!
Can I request a double, or do they only do this if medically required?
Anyone else been in this position?
Hi,
I recently had a similar conversation with my consultant ( IDC, Er+,HER -).
I’d decided on a Mastectomy without reconstruction. When I told her that I wasn’t likely to ask for a reconstruction in future and would be more likely to ask if I could have the other one removed, she said that was fine.
She said she wouldn’t have done a double mastectomy right away ( bigger op, no medical need), but that all reconstruction options were purely cosmetic and that if I wanted the other breast removed in future for cosmetic reasons and symmetry she’d have no problem with that.
I think every surgeon is different though!
Now I’ve had my mastectomy I’m not sure whether I’d want to go through more surgery to remove the other in future, but I’m glad it’s an option. I’ve found that I’m really not bothered about being flat on one side after all.
After my diagnosis (2 lumps in right breast), I was told mastectomy would be required and was asked to decide whether I wanted to remain flat, have immediate reconstruction with diep flap or wait for delayed reconstruction if I was unsure. I asked to have left breast removed at the same time and would remain flat both sides. I was advised they would prefer not to remove healthy tissue and I would need to speak to psychology first to discuss my reasoning and this would hold up surgery. Obviously at that point I just wanted the tumours removed as quickly as possible and ended up going with immediate diep reconstruction.
Hi 
You can absolutely request it, don’t feel bad asking for it either if this is what you need.
Yes you will probably be told you need to have a psychological assessment to have healthy tissue removed. I had mine a couple of weeks ago and it was fine, if you’d like more info on this let me know and I can send you a message. It is a long appointment so I don’t want overwhelm anyone!
I had a single mastectomy and node clearance in March. I didn’t want reconstruction and would rather have had the other breast removed at the same time. My surgeon said he would rather I lived with it for a while as it is healthy tissue and I might change my mind on reconstruction. I haven’t! I am seeing him later this week and hope to discuss my options. I will update with what he says!
Morning. Hope you are all doing okay - which area/s are based please? Just curious as I’m absolutely distraught and in a terrible state regarding the suggested surgery for me & am on a waiting list for psychological support which I’m finding difficult. I know time is of the essence with the surgery and the appointment isn’t until August. I’ve been waiting since June. Any suggestions? I’m pretty desperate.