Can I have an elected double mastectomy on the NHS

[sugar8]

American site.
breastcancer.org

[sugar8]

Hi JM.
Yes you can have it on the NHS if you want that b4 chemo it improves your chances of successful surgery because chemo can affect your blood vessels.
The surgeon might like to sway you but try and make your case to them. Make them listen. How old are you? Because I felt that that affects their response. I was 59.
The next option would be to go to your GP and ask her to refer you for a 2nd opinion. I hear that the Royal Marsden Hospital is very good and it's a specialist hosp. My hairdresser had a successful diep op there after her her chemo.
Mine was unsuccessful at a different hosp. due to clotting problems and I had treatment first as I thought I was going to have radiotherapy (which I didn't). Radiotherapy can affect the new tissue.
It is really hard when you are trying to get your head around the fact that you have breast cancer.
Good luck and keep in touch. Try the American website also for advice as it is a bigger group
Clare

[Jm1979]

Hi books and wine. I'm not sure how to pm you but I'd be interested to hear more about a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I've been diagnosed with triple neg 6cm tumor. I'm 39. They don't think it's anywhere else or in nodes but still going through scans further biopsy to check. They have recommended 18wks of chemo then a lumpectomy with a breast reduction on both sides to reconstruct. My instinct is to get the op first (i want it out) but they have said they would refuse to reconstruct if I don't agree to chemo first. The surgeon was against a mastectomy all together. Be good to hear your thoughts. Even If I have to have the chemo upfront I would also like the double mastectomy but like others have said it's not clear what the options are when they try to railroad you down one route. I just want to know all my options.
J

[sugar8]

I had requested double mastectomy after left breast CA, stage 1, grade 3 invasive ductal Ca. I wish that I had not been swayed. I ended up having a left mastectomy and 3 ops before mastectomy was done.

 I would be so much further on in my recovery now as I am still on a waiting list for my original request for mastectony on right and I cannot move on fully until this is done. 

[Weeannie1]

Hiya,

I have requested a double mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction after not being able to move on after conventional treatment (WLE, chemo & rads) My cancer was an invasive lobular, grade 2 and only in my left breast. I am being treated through the NHS, and although I've had to wait over a year after active treatment finished, my whole team have been very supportive and my surgery is scheduled for early December. I initially let them dissuade me from having mastectomy which had been my original choice, so if you really feel that this is the way forward for you, please keep at them. Hope you get the treatment you feel you need to make a full recovery. Ann x x 

[terrischnauzer]

Im a c cup, been told I will be slightly smaller after but hopefully not a bra size...dont want that!! I can have reconstruction on the other side. The breast nurse told me they wont do a double mastectomy until I have this one done first but something they would look into if I was adamant afterwards.

[booksandwine]

PS I chose diep over implants to be more natural shape and no future surgeries.

[booksandwine]

Terri
Yes you can request ( although push at times might be better word) for elective mastectomy

I was diagnosed feb last year aggressive grade three lymph and in left breast. Originally advised mastectomy would be first then chemo. As I was a size 36e and cancer was growing so fast I requested and held firm re bi lateral. Initially I was told I was being Angelina j but while I thanked him for the compliment I reminded him she did not have aggressive cancer just the gene

They changed tact on me and I had chemo first which seems to now be more common.

I had my bi lateral in august. At around June they changed from saying with mastectomy I could have immediate reconstruction due to rads. So I held firm as having both was piece of mind but also meant I had choice on wearing prostheses or not. Note they lead me to believe I would have recon around April so living flat for around nine months.


Anyway all treatment completed October and referred for gene test I was 48 at diagnosis. Triple negative so they thought likely to have gene. NB I am negative but gene counsellor actually recommended if I had not had other removed to have done so. And through last year I spoke to a few single masects who later needed or choose to have remaking Breast removed. So another surgery.

I have just this week had diep recon done very happy at st thomas. NB this was a second opinion request constult and very happy I did as they specialise.

Few things
I did not need or was asked to have counselling before either the single or my choice bi lateral. But I sought it out myself and glad I did

Be strong on what you want. Consider speaking to someone like me via bcc

PS actually said on Tuesday when marking me easier to get symity right if doing both

Piece of mind less likely return

What size are you ? Need to always were prostheses. NB when I got fitted for prostheses I went c cup even though I was e before. As I wanted to be smaller and knew recon I would be smaller

Hope helps. Pm me if you want more or to talk.

[FizzB]

I would definitely ask. I needed a single mastectomy in January however wanted both removed both for peace of mind and for aesthetic reasons. I was referred to the psychologist (apparently it's a requirement of an elective mastectomy) however in the end the appointment with the psych couldn't be fitted in before the op so I saw her afterwards!!! They definitely don't promote elective bilateral due to the size of the operation & the recovery afterwards. But it can be done.

hope this helps ... and best of luck.

Lisa

[Ash66]

Hi

All you can do is ask. I'm sure they could do whatever is required with the other one to have them match as well as possible but if you want bilateral mx, then ask and see what they say. It all depends on the opinion of your surgeon. I had bilateral mx after I asked for it even though it wasn't their recommendation. I had a very sympathetic surgeon who understood and accepted my wishes. I had to speak to a psychologist beforehand. I didn't have recon but have chosen to go flat. I have no regrets whatsoever.

Best wishes x

[terrischnauzer]

Hi guys, Im currently awaiting a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction as after my lumpectomy to remove invasive cancer they also found I have widespread dcis. I have been to see the plastic surgeon who will perform a diep or I can have implants. I know the pros and cons of both and I still dont know what to do. I live alone, Im 43 and only have the help of my Mum while going through this. I wan to look the best I can as I hope to be in a relationship at some point not to far away. If I could have the good boob made to look like the implant both, ie implant in both I think Id go for it, but they have not mentioned this. Views on any of this appreciated.