11 days ago, my suspicious changes in the left breast were confirmed as cancer. Didn’t come as a huge surprise since the consultant had already warned me on the day (a week before), and then we discussed treatment options and I said I would prefer mastectomy to breast-conserving, and that was fine. Then my consent papers arrived on Saturday, for the removal of my left breast.
I’d prefer to be balanced, and feel I would cope better with the removal of both breasts than just one. That way I can choose: wear a bra with prosthetics, or not wear a bra. And not wearing a bra would probably help with the healing, and certainly be more comfortable.
So my questions are: how do I ask for a double? who do I ask? and how likely am I to get it given that there’s nothing wrong with my right breast?
I just wanted to say that I understand how you feel. Looking back, I wish I’d had a double mastectomy for symmetry, especially as, as soon as I went onto hormone therapy, I grew a womanly boob for the first time in my long life so I’m even more unbalanced.
I’ve noticed that hospitals are geared to preserving what they can and are rather taken aback by those who say take it all off! I think the only thing you can do is contact your breast care nurse and ask what the procedure is but be prepared for a no, simply because they worry, at this stage in your treatment, that you can’t (?) make informed decisions! We surely can’t be anything but falling apart in the face of a cancer diagnosis. They might offer what is called elective surgery once you have fully recovered from your cancer treatment.
The other fact you need to bear in mind is that it won’t give you any better protection against recurrence, just in case it’s at the back of your mind. My secondary tumour is behind my nose!! But it would make you feel aesthetically more acceptable and definitely would feel more comfortable when healing if you don’t have to struggle with finding a comfortable bra.
I hope you get a sympathetic response. Good luck xx
So sorry to hear what you’re going through. I was in your situation 14 years ago (yes there is life after breast cancer). I was advised to have a lumpectomy which became a mastectomy 10 days later when the histology was reviewed. I did a lot of thinking and requested a second mastectomy at the post-op review as I was worried about getting another cancer. However they would not remove a ‘healthy’ breast. You might meet the same response as there is a reluctance to remove healthy tissue, hence the emphasis on conservative lumpectomies.
At least you are a step ahead having the mastectomy straight off. Perhaps if you have a strong family history it might swing the issue. There are great post mastectomy bras and very soft prostheses available (online) and you will probably see a bra/prosthesis expert post-op. I didn’t find the post-op healing an issue at all.
The breast-care nurses are definitely your first port of call for further discussion.
I hope you get the outcome that’s best for you. Sending hugs