i had a left mastectomy in November. I’m recovering well but I just don’t feel happy having the remaining healthy breast still there. Does anyone else feel like this? I so want the other one gone too because I feel such a freak and unattractive like this. It’s really upsetting me trying on bras and softies and prosthetist, it just doesn’t look right or feel comfortable! I don’t know whether this is just a normal reaction to having the mastectomy and it’s still early days for me. Or asking about the remaining healthy breast to be removed at this stage. My oncologist only wants to see me now every year and I’m on zoladex and anastrozole xxx
In the meantime if you would ever like to talk this through you can call our support line at 0808 800 6000 who will be able to talk to you about your options and offer a friendly ear.
Hi Pink, I’m having double MX 27th Feb, one is healthy, I was diagnosed on 25th November, been arguing ever since my case, I don’t want it to come back in other boob and I don’t want 1 boob left. I’m having immediate reconstruction from my stomach, I completely empathize with how you feel
Love Bloss XXX
I’m sure someone who has been in your position will post soon. Until then I hope the below might help.
I’m in a different situation to you since still have 2, but significantly lopsided and find the prosthesis irritates my skin and nearly impossible to find a bra which fits (due to pull factor re size difference). I’m 1.5 years post first op and have discussed with my onc.
It’s clearly a huge decision you are contemplating. While googling post diagnosis I did come across info on the websites below which you might find help your thinking. Very personal choice and if you are unsure make sure you think it over for awhile. Most bc teams can provide access to a specialist (breast) cancer councillor - you may find it helpful to talk through your thoughts and feelings with one, including how you feel about pro’s and con’s. You might want to ask your breast care nurse if this can be arranged (or for your onc to refer you).
The following website was set up by women who decided not to have recon and/or to have remaining side removed:
Hi Pink, I am in the same position as you atm. I had a right sided mastectomy in July 2015. Ive just finished chemo and about to have radiotherapy. My main reason for wanting my ‘good breast’ removed is that I have gone through all this treatment and don’t want to take the risk of the cancer coming back in my other breast. I am not happy about the way I look atm so don’t really see a point in not going for what I want. I have now been referred to a clinical psychologist who I assume will talk to me to make sure I am of sound mind. My plan is to have another mastectomy and then have reconstruction on both breasts. Unfortunately I won’t be able to have implants as I am having radiotherapy so it will have to be a diep flat. Also due to the radiotherapy operation won’t happen for a year!!! That gives me plenty of thinking time I guess but as it stands now I want to go ahead, It is such a personal choice that noone but you can make.
I am having a double mastectomy on the 29th Feb . I have had cancer twice in my left breast so I am having them both removed ,I can’t cope with feeling my good breast and finding a lump and worrying if it could be cancer again . My breast consultant is very understanding and just agreed . I have many other health issues which prevent me from having reconstruction but I don’t mind as long as the cancer has gone .
Hey Pink.
I had a bilateral mastectomy 4 days ago! My chest drains (both sides) causing me a great deal of discomfort. I know I made the right decision and this pain is worth it. I have no reconstruction as it doesn’t bother me nor will it assist healing process for me. I’m proud of my scars.
I had no option for left breast but to have MX.
My right breast had a large benign lump behind the nipple. I mulled over but it was an easy decision to make to remove right breast for me. It was a healthy breast though had potential for the benign lump to change…
I’m laid back, live life for the moment and try not to worry. For me, I don’t mourn my boobs yet - they tried to kill me ! So no sentimental value! It just means I can recover better and heal with no future worry of annual mammograms (I’m only 32) for the rest of my life and scared waiting results etc…
They didn’t need to give me counselling- my not removing it would affect my quality of life psychologically due to anxiety.
Now they are both gone - pure relief!
Everyone is different as you say- and it early days for me too.
I hope you keep loving forward and get what is best for you xx all the best x
To be honest my initial reaction was to take both breasts off. I decided I was being irrational and had a therapeutic mammoplasty yesterday but I completely see where you’re coming from already only a day later. I have my softie in and I thought it looked symmetrical but hubby says there is a difference but minimal. Sometimes I wish he wasn’t so honest. To be fair I have pressure bandages on too and it’s only the first time I’ve put it in. If you feel it is best for you ask for it it’s a hell of a journey we’re on and need to make the decisions that suit us xx
Hi em. Brave lady. I had DMX and imeadiate reconstruction. Mine was done 27th but still in hospital due to my jaunt back to theatre tuesday. Ive still got 1 of my drains in. suppose I should be thankful and I am as I had 8 or 9!!! But like u said SORE. ive got double sore cos of stomach reconstruction altho theve done an amazing job. Think your very very brave to go flat . But expect u will have option to change ur mind if u ever do. Sending gentle hugs
Love Bloss xxx
I’m hoping someone will let you know about the other side of the fence, but I had both breasts removed. Not only was it due to symmetry, it’s because of this being my second cancer. While I was in hospital another lady had her healthy breast removed 10 months later as a precaution. I’d heard about a family friend who had her cancer return in her second breast. For me, wondering whether it would return and having to live with check ups and mammograms didn’t seem like a life to me. I feel more confident that I’ve dealt with both and done the same to both, so I have the same scars and same issues on both sides (bar the pain from the lymph node removal!) xx
Hi ladies, I’m new to the forum and this is my first post. I had a bilateral mastectomy and diep reconstruction on the 29th Feb and felt I wanted to write about my mixed experiences so far. 7 years ago I had stage 3 cancer on my left breast, I had lumpectomy, full lymph clearance, radiotherapy and 5 chemos. Then forgot all about cancer and got on with my life. Last year I was diagnosed in February with Chronic Myloid Leakemia CML and this has been treated and is fully controlled with drugs. In September last year I had a routine check and was fond to have DCIS in my right breast. Then had surgery in November and again in December to remove cancer areas. Unfortunately the needed to remove more and advised me to have a mastectomy on my left breast. I decided straight away I wanted both done as I could not imagine having chemo again what with the CML and the drugs I talk for that. Drs advised me to consider over Christmas. As far as my husband and I were concerned web knew immediately what we wanted, so in Januray the Drs agreed and that was that - no arguing or persuasion needed that agreed.
So on 29th Feb I went to Charing Cross hospital for the surgery, I was not told anywhere near as much as other ladies regarding the negative side of the surgery and that is fine with me as I realise there is always risks. Surgery went well however there was a complication with my right leg below the knee going numb due to what they think was a crushed nerve, this has been the biggest issue as my calf and ankle are still causing me problems but we are working. BUT the results of the breast surgery are fantastic, I feel very positive and happy about the whole process, that’s not to say it’s not painful, scary, tiring and very hard work. Right now I’m two and half weeks post op and all my wounds have healed, my breasts looks great, I have a flat tummy and recovery is going well. I do have pain in my breasts and am taking paracetamol and stronger pain killer at night. I would be very happy to answer any questions and happy to send headless photo if appropriate and allowed on the forum of others considering reconstruction