I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in July/Aug 14 and ended up having a mastectomy with no reconstruction on one side (after a temporary implant had to be removed), and WLE on the other side. I am nearing the end of chemo and waiting for a rads plan, but I am keen to have my other breast removed as well. I am awaiting genetic BRCA tes results but these are going ot take 8 weeks and I am feeling sure that I want the other breast removed regardless. I spoke to the counsellor at the hosptial today and she asked me to think about whether I might regret choosing an elective mastectomy in the future. I wondered if there were any ladies out there who had made a similar decision and then found themsleves regretting the decision (or if it had been a positive decision for you it would also be good to hear).
I am nearly 50 and feel as though one boob is not much use. Due to extensive scar tissue on my stomach I have limited options for reconstruction and would probably choose to stay flat rather than spend any more time on surgery. I feel quite positive about the decision, but today’s conversation with the counsellor has made me realise this is about to get real.
I am one of many “Flat n Fabulous” women out here, who are very happy to be so.
I had cancer on one side (2 previous benign lumps on that side), but absolutely kew that I could not face another lump (i.e. no WLE), couldn’t do reconstruction (felt like creating something false, which was not equivalent), and couldn’t do prosthesis… The thought of being lopsided was equally unthinkable for me, so I opted for bilateral mastectomy immediately, and was fortunate that my surgeon (though taking some persuading) listened and understood I just wanted to be flat, and did a great job,
There is a UK closed Facebook page which “This group is for ladies who have had a single or double mastectomy and are living life flat, or with foobs” and which has 79 members, and also a similar international page with 1400 members.
I get most of my cancer support from these amazing and uplifting groups.
Hi jingo - I’m 45 and having double mx next Monday ivd delayed reconstruction and am not sure if I will ever go through with it … Not sure how I am going to be ( I’m single as husband of 20 years left at start of nov just before diagnosis) and every now andvthen I get a niggle " who will love me?.." But it’s been a whirl wind psychologically and I am very confident that not having one as a reminder or to match up too will make things easier for me - I started expecting just one mx but was called back on xmas eve and have both now - to be quite honest I was slightly relieved as I decided I would be totally paranoid about my remaining Breast x I think it’s the roll of the hosp to question to make sure you are confident and I do worry ( esp about post op recovery / sleep) but I totally understand why you are considering this decision and wish you every happiness xxx
I had bilateral mx in November. I had cancer in left boob but insisted they roof the right boob away too. I have triple negative caused through chest radiotherapy so there was a good chance it would develop on right side in later years and there was NO WAY I could live with that ticking time bomb. I also think that I preferred to be flat than lopsided
I am 5 weeks post op now and no regrets, dealing with it fine, getting movement back to normal.