removing healthy breast

[MarieBC]

Yes I had bi lat mastectomy, not same time, Jan was the first op on boob with cancer  May was the second op on boob without cancer, depends who you see and how you dig your heels in, I had implants and they were a TOTAL disaster, the first lot capsulated, the 2nd lot done at NNUH by Ms Sassoon, who I have been told is no longer there, she did a real botch job on me and caused me severe back pain as a result of putting HUGE implants in me, BUT if you complain you will encounter problems from other plastic surgeons and they will refuse to do the surgery, I ended up going to Belgium and am DELIGHTED I did.   I have two new breasts and under went the DIEP, all the surgeons in this country said I was too slim, BUT I was not, I had the DIEP in Belgium, the surgeon was fantastic, my scan was done the same day, cost £220, the consultant charge was £25, here a private consult.can be well in excess of £250, Ms Sassoon espects the patients to have 2 consultancies BEFORE she does any work on you, good money egh and is it necessary to have 2 consultancies.    After all the tests, their multi discipline team agreed I could under go the DIEP and I was not too slim, they no long do implants they think they are unsafe.   I could have had th DIEP in private sector here for £55,000 PLUS, the cost in Belgium £20.000, you could fund raise, I would donate for you!   Also consider the amount of sex change surgery, they musgt remove the boobs then!

[Darlainehoney]

Hi ladies, I fought hard to have both mine removed after reading a lot about ilc in peer reviewed journals and did not want to have to worry about having repeat surgery in 5-10 years. The symmetry was important to me. I too had to go through psychology, but glad I did as my pathology showed it was in the other breast (which was 'clear') but not 'active'. No one could tell me if it would ever change, but if it had I would have been older an anaesthetic and operation may have been harder on me. I'm 5 months post op now with expanders which feel like wearing a metal bra 24/7 at the begining, but back at work. Tired, and having issues with Letrozole and my line manager but positive and glad I had both off. Xx

[Alib50]

Hello

ive thought for some time I wanted my other breast removed, for symmetry, for mental health and fear of finding another lump, to get rid of heavy and unbalanced feeling with prosethis. I had mastectomy July 16; my op is tomorrow. My surgeon was fine about this and understood. Asked me to speak to the BCN and consider this but fingers crossed, this will aid my recovery mentally.

[MrsFox]

My surgeon suggested that I should have a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, and I did. I am pleased with the results. It made sense to me to have the healthy breast removed, for symmetry. Also I don't need mammograms. Hope that you can get what you want.

[chebsy13]

hi all- very interested in this thread!

I had mastectomy and immediate reconstruction but eight years later had capsular problems and was fitted with permanent recon three months ago. this is causing me great problems as it is so heavy and has destroyed my posture and given me constant backache and depression - feeling I can't go on like this. went for check up appt and said I wanted to have mastectomy as I can't cope. Said I wanted other breast removed and he said - not that simple - they would have to plead a special case to the board to remove a healthy breast. I have to wait three months for another appointment for "thinking" time- I just know I want double mastectomy to get my life back - would welcome any advice-please!

[Laineybo]

Hi  Tracey

My surgeon was reluctant and I  saw a psychologist -which I  funded who vouched for my sanity and I  had second mastectomy 10 months after the first.So if this is what you want  then go for it and don't  let anyone put you off.I have never had a days regret and usually  go out flat but do have 2 sets of prostheses  in different  sizes so wear them according to what mood I'm  in that day-quite fun!!

Best wishes and go girl x

[beebee71]

i would also like this done but i am only 34b so i have to go to therphy to see if i know my own mind.i think everyone should be offered it if you had cancer.

[Alison MD]

Hi Traceyfizz

i had mastectomy on 17/3 . My surgeon immediately agreed that I can have other breast removed later this year. He said that it was my ' reconstruction' and he has documented all this. When I asked him,I mentioned that I did not want the possible dysmorphia effect from being lopsided. 

Remember a simple mastectomy is a fraction of the cost of a recon and involve minimal hospital stay.

go for it and good luck! 

Alison

[traceyfizz]

Hi, I had my mastectomy last may and chemo ended in november , my remaining breast is 40dd and i have decided i do not want a recon so would much prefer my healthy breast removing purely for symmetry . I hate wearing my false boob and would be so happy flat has anyone been successful in getting their surgeon to do this ? thanks in advance