Hi
I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week in my left breast after a mammogram. It’s in my left brest stage 1 invasive (estrogen fed) I have trawled the inernet to review treatment options and I decided on a bilateral mastectomy so I don’t have the worry about it appearing in my right breast. However my surgeon will only do the left breast. Has anyone had the same problem and does anyone who has had a bilateral regret it?
Hi Cazziebee, I was diagnosed with bc on October 28th last year, had a mastectomy on the 28th December so am now 4 weeks post op.
I’m sure other ladies will be along soon to share their experiences and I will stand corrected if I’m wrong on what I’m saying. As far as I’m aware, surgeons, consultants will not remove a healthy breast. I didn’t outright ask for my healthy breast to be removed but I did sort of mention it in a half jokey way and that is what I was told. i would be interested in hearing how you get on … Sarah x
P’s I am 52 so would want reconstruction of some sort so I feel more confident and able to wear a swim suit so I can continue to swim.
I also don’t want to take hormone therapy as I have had a pulmonary embolism and dvt and these drugs increase the risk of one
Thanks cazzie xx
Hi Cazziebee,
I wanted a double mx, but the surgeon talked me out of it. First reason was because I need to have chemo and it was easier to have one wound heal quicker than 2.
Also, he did promise me that we could talk about having the other one off at a later date.
He also explained that having a breast off does not guarantee that you won’t get breast caner, he actually used Angelina Jolie as an example, saying that it had reduced her chances only. It could still appear in her scar tissue.
I hope this helps, I am quite happy with one boob at the moment - I’m 49 (50 in 4 hours) and I’m not even going to bother with a reconstruction - I just want to get on with life.
I would also mention that I am worried about reoccurence and as it can come back in the scar, I don’t want to cover it up, so that I can keep a check on it.
That’s just me though.
Hi, I think the only reason that they would agree to removing a healthy breast is if you have the BRCA mutation a very strong family history where there is a high risk. The risk of getting the most common BC in the other breast is very low, I read 1 to 4% and if you have the healthey breast removed the risk is 5% you could still get BC. So if those % are correct then it would be pretty pointless having the other breast removed :smileyhappy: xx