I am thinking about requesting to have my other breast offbecause it could be genetic and I just wondered about the operation itself. I spoke to my boss yesterday about it (I work within the NHS as an administrator) and just wondered how long I could expect to be off work, I was thinking about 1 month, is this realistic?
Also, and I am sorry to ask this, can anyone tell me what emotions you go through when you have lost both breasts please? The first time I would have literally run down to the operating theatre, and I have only occasionally thought about having reconstruction and because it has never bothered me that much never gone any further with it, but this time it feels a little different.
I have tried to speak to my OH about how it will affect us as a couple but he just won’t talk (this is how he deals with things)
I had a double mastectomy just over a year ago when I was 45. I had breast cancer on one side so the other was prophylactic. I can’t answer your question about time off as the circumstances are different. I would think one month is a bit optimistic.
In terms of emotions, I cried a lot beforehand. I took a photo of my breasts and said goodbye to them. I have never cried about that since the operation. I had huge breasts but i decided on very small prostheses which are much lighter. I always wear my prostheses even when at home on my own as the I don’t like the shape of my body without and want to feel as ‘normal’ as possible.
I’m incredibly lucky to have a very supportive husband. I had a very hard time during my cancer treatment and had previously had very major surgery for something unrelated only 18 months before. Mainly for those reasons I’ve decided against any reconstruction.
I don’t think you should feel guilty about time off. I mean it’s hardly a cosmetic procedure is it! if it were me I wouldn’t discuss it further at this point with your boss but make an appointment with the surgeon. I’d also think about talking to the helpline on this one - I found that very useful.
You would though probably need to make a strong case to the surgeon as to why you wanted the other one off. What makes you think that your BC could be genetic? If they say it is unlikely would you still want to go ahead and why? Things to consider…
I’m happy to answer anymore questions on this. Take care, Elinda x
hi, could you give me a bit of advice from your experience please? I had a mastectomy 4 weeks ago, i am 44, with a history of cancer, 10 years ago the left breast was affected, i had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy, i recovered well, and i carnt remember having too much pain, however the mastectomy i have just had on the right side is causing me a lot of discomfort, tightness and burning across my chest, burning under my arm and down the outside of my body, it also feels numb which i suppose is normal. i am taking co-codamol and diclofenac which is easing the pain a bit, i have mentioned it to my consultant and he says this is quite normal and could be nerve damage, did you experience anything like this, if so maybe you could help me out,.look forward to hearing from you liz…
Hi Liz, your history is a bit different from mine and I’m sorry you’re having so much pain. I also had considerable pain following my surgery which took some time to recover and certainly quite a lot longer than 4 weeks. It took me around 6 weeks to be able to lift my arm above my head. I had shooting pains along the scar area which I was told was the nerves dying, numbness in my chest and arm (which stayed) and then if anything so much as brushed the top of my arm it was very painful.
It is very important to keep doing the exercises so it doesn’t worsen with tightening.
I don’t actually remember how long it took to subside. It was very gradual. I would say if you’re really worried to speak to your BCN and get her advice. Hope things improve for you soon. Elinda x
I opted to have both breasts removed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast. The surgery was much easier than I expected. It has been a year now and I don’t even think about it. I tried prothesis,but it was so uncomfortable I had to remove it after 10 minutes. I just wear big bulky sweaters and sweatshirts in the winter and blouses with t-shirts in the summer. For intimate moments I wear a skin colored cami made of stretch material so it doesn’t move. Actually it feels good to be bra free.
I am having chemo first, then surgery and then radiotherapy. I have bc in my left breast and in my arm pit. I have also been considering having both breasts removed. My right breast is full of ‘fatty tissue’ lumps, and I worry about it changing into cancer in the future and because all the lumps will feel like cancer to me and I will live with paranoia.
I only have 2 chemo sessions left and so I decided to look at surgery options and scared myself silly doing so. My onc told me that I couldn’t have a reconstruction for up to 2 years to make sure the cancer was gone. So I was also wondering what it is like to be breast free?
At the moment I have a big tummy… I think it would stick out more if I have no breasts. Wonder if they would chuck in a tummy tuck whilst they take the breasts?
Seriously, any posts that can let us know the pros and cons of a bilateral mastectomy would be really helpful please?