I’ve been diagnosed with grade 1 DCIS, non-specific. Because of the size of my breast 32c and the size of the tumour I am having a mastectomy. I originally wanted a double, then the consultant advised that they would match the other one. My concern is the symmetry. I have suffered with eating disorders for over 20 years and my weight fluctuates, thus impacting my breast size. The fact that this is cancer isn’t even figuring with me, and I am much more concerned with the atheistic aspect. I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and am scared sh*****s about the hormone treatment for the next 8 years, which will bring on the menopause. Emotionally I’m not sure how to get through the physical change, let alone the menopause. I am 44 years old. I am not ready for the menopause and am thinking should I have asked for a double mastectomy. Has anyone gone through a similar experience/going through the same? My surgery date is 03 April.
there’s a facebook group called flat friends for people who don’t have reconstruction. Some of them have had a second mastectomy for symmetry.
Hi Fiona,
Sorry you find yourself on the forum but welcome, it is a lot to get your head round but take it one step at a time. I was diagnosed in August 2017 and had a mastectomy on my right breast with no reconstruction and it still seems surreal. At the time I wasn’t aware they would do a contralateral mastectomy on the NHS, but have now managed get an appointment for surgery on the other breast for symmetry. For me reconstruction was not a path I wanted to go down and I’m happy being flat, but you need to go with what feels right for you.
At one stage I did consider getting a tattoo, but I think you need to wait at least 12 months and as my scar is not really noticeable now I am not going to bother.
I was given a prosthetic around 7 weeks post surgery by a very experienced fitter, who spent a long time going through different makes to find the best match (I really couldn’t tell the difference). I am a 34DD and initially wore the silicone prosthetic with a padded bra, but have now gone for a more natural look and wear a Been a Boob with a non padded bra as I find it more comfortable. From what I remember I think you can have a new prosthetic on the NHS every 2 years or before that if you loose a lot of weight or it gets damaged.
I had already gone through the menopause before being put on hormone treatment, but have ended up going through it again as the symptoms are the same. I use a Lady Care Magnet, which works wonders for me with the hot flushes, glucosamine for the aches and additional calcium for my bones.
Hi Fiona
I was searching the site for discussions on whether to go for a single or double mastectomy and came across your post from last year. I’ve recently been diagnosed with grade 2 invasive lobular cancer. Because it’s in several places in the same breast a mastectomy is the only option. I am a 36DD. I’m also worried about reconstruction and it looking the same. They are not offering immediate reconstruction at the moment due to the coronovirus and extended recovery period. So I would have to have this at a later date. I know some people opt for a double for various reasons. I’m 48. What did you go for in the end and was it a success? Worried is an understatement. Thanks. Hayley.