Yesterday I had my post op results, good news that the cancer wasn’t present in the nodes so I’m really pleased with that. On a less good note while the margins of the 1.7mm grade 3 triple negative cancer lump were clear for cancer, there are pre cancerous cells right up to the edge so obviously they are also further ones in the breast. Advice is mastectomy with reconstruction to be done on 11th June. Meanwhile I will have an MRI which is,apparently the only thing that will show up the precancerous cells. My question is if the MRI shows up precancerous cells in my other breast, or maybe even if it doesn’t, should I be asking about double mastectomy and reconstruction? I got the impression from my surgeon that this would be too big an op for anyone but have any of you had this or heard of anyone doing this.
My thoughts are that one hit would be best if it takes so long to recover fom MX and recon, and presumably chemo would then be,hopefully, a one time course. I’m seeing my surgeon on Thursday again and would love to hear from anyone with any information or experience about this.
Sorry to hear of your dilemma and hope this will be of help. it may be that the “good” breast does not have pre-cancer, mine didn’t even though the “bad” one did. I had mastectomy and re-construction (ld flap plus implant). The physical recovery was originally quite good, although the recon has now developed problems with the implant) and I was back at work quickly, the empotional recovery is another matter. A double hit sounds good when faced with the prospect of wonky re-cons but it is not without paying a price. I have only pain in my recon, no pleasant sensation on the outside and I miss my boob.I wonder if a double recon would be double the chance of infection, pain etc. You’d think all this would make me appreciate the real one more but I am afraid of it now.
Also re chemo, if it does come back as secondaries it won’t necessarily be in the good boob.
thank you for your comments, I really appreciate you taking the time to pass on your experience. A bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time isn’t on the cards. My surgeon tells me doing one is like a car crash…very reassuring! So I’ll take it as it comes as best I can. Fingers crossed!
I am due a mastectomy within the next two weeks and I have decided not to have reconstruction until a few months after because I was told that sometimes there is trouble with the scar or fluid or other so it would be more painful and difficult if they had to “redo” or further treatment. I was also told that later on when I choose to have reconstructive surgery then they would do the other breast as well to make it even.
Apparently letting the mastectomy heal without complications would be better for me but each case is individual so I would say that you will need to assess your situation and get as much info as possible. Ask everyone and anyone and make a really good informed decision.
I’ve just had to make a decision along these lines too.
I have DCIS in my right breast and two WLE’s later I’ve been told I need a mastectomy. I have also been worrying about the other breast and I am in the process of getting a gene test too.
I asked about the double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction too and was told it was too big an operation for the patient and the surgeon as it would actually be a long time in surgery hours.
I have decided to have a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I will then wait for the results of the gene test and decide about the ‘good’ breast. I may decide to have it off anyway regardless of the test. I have also been advised that it is acually easier to do the second mastectomy and reconstruction too.
So now I need to research into the types of reconstruction I may be offered.
Hope you are able to come to a decision about yours too,
i had a double mastectomy in june 2006 was advised by doc to have lumpectomy, but i wanted mastectomy which they did, had invasive cancer in left breast and was told it was coming in the other so i made a good choice, going for becker implants on june 12,
good luck with your desision
Lornaxxx
Thank you Daisy, Freddie and Lorna, I am delighted that you have passed on your experiences, it all helps doesn’t it. Since my last post I have met wih my surgeon who I have great faith in and we have agreed to go ahead with the mastectomy and reconstruction. I will be having an MRI scan on Wednesday so that they can see what my affected breast throws up (pre-cancerous cells don’t show up on much, possibly not even an MRI)this can then be confirmed by post op biopsies which will allow them to get an idea of what might be going on in my other breast (they will compare the image of the unknown quantity with the known quantity and decide on a result).
I am going for reconstruction at the same time because that has been recommended to me, not necessarily because there is any better a result but apparently only a few percent of ladies who have the mx without the reconstruction go back and eventually have it…even if they would like it, something to do with not wanting to face the surgery again. But as you say we’re all different and what suits one doesn’t suit another.
My surgeon did say the particular type of reconstruction appropriate for me but I can’t quite remember what he called it. It is apparently the better option for my shape and might look more natural (I’m quite slim) I know that he accesses the back muscle through the armpit if he can and stretches it across (sounds a bit gruesome!) hoping to avoid a scar on the back but he may still need to cause one. I am seeing him on the Monday after half term when it will all be finalised ready for the op on the 11th.
It’s all a bit surreal actually.
love Lee x
P.S. It’s an LD flap plus implant retaining the nipple…should have looked this up first!
thank you for that. You guys are so on the ball at picking up queries and posting links. I have to say that I am extremely impressed with this website, both for the support offered in the forums and for the information available. I did find that booklet last night and downloaded it. I am amazed also that there are videosof the reconstruction ops. How amazingly informative (sadly the one relating to my op didn’t seem to be up and running but I will look again).
I know that there are several breast cancer charities all doing sterling work and I have in the past been involved in raising funds through balls etc. but since being diagnosed with BC (less than 4 weeks ago now) and being given many of your beeklets by the breast cancer nurse at Clare Park I have nothing but admiration for the work that this charity does. A big pat o the back for you all as you make this journey so much easier for someone like me who really wants to know all the info, even if I can’t always bring the terminology to mind, would like to blame the effect on my cognitive processes following the op but honesty compels me to admit that I was like that before…too many middle aged moments!
I had bi-lateral mx and recon done in dec 08 using muscle from my back and expanders fitted on both sides. I opted for immediate recon because i didnt want to face anymore surgery than i had to (story on profile). I am pleased with the results (well as pleased as you can be). The recovery time wasnt to bad either i was back driving after 4 weeks and didint suffer to much with pain mainly the back area especially if bending etc, i go for my ports out in june. Hope all goes well for you.
thank you so much for your reassurance. The more posts I read on any of my upcoming treatments the more I realise that the reality is never as bad as the expectation. With my surgeon telling me it will take a year to recover it seemed quite daunting! I’m a very positive and motivated person so I guess it will all help. Plus eldest daughter surprised me on Saturday by returning from Thailand to help with everything, especially running her brother backwards and forwards to school for his GCSEs. Really nice to have all my babies at home now (that said two of them are already out partying in Guildford!)
Hi, can anyone help me, I am going for surgery on 2nd June. I had a DCIS so I had a mastectomy with an implant straight away, in May 2008. I have now got to have the implant replaced next week and they want to reconstruct my good breast so that they match. Has anyone had any problems with their good breast reconstruction. I’m desparate for reassurance.
Thanks, Wendy