Double or Single mastectomy??

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a11nel
a11nel Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed

Hi i have just been diagnosed a couple of week ago. Having been diagnosed a week later i met up with the doctor and breast care nurse for a further biopsy and discussion about surgery options. I had decided to have a double mastectomy because we have a strong family history and my sister has had bc twice in 10 years (also three aunties and a cousin). She had a lumpectomy and is came back  - although not in the other breast. I just felt that was the only option to cut the odds down of it returning. However the breast cancer care nurse rang and said that they had a meeting about my case and decided that they thought i should only have a single mastectomy as they did not want to remove a healthy breast but would consider doing it at a later date with reconstruction.  I did get upset and argued that i thought i had the choice and i feel they have taken it away from me. My younger sister also visited a genetic councillor earlier in the month due to high estrogen levels and she was asked had she considered preventative surgery. I am totally confused if i have a single m. and then reconstruction i will want a double reconstruction at a later date because i dont want them to try to match a fifty four year old breast and if they cant they will be odd. Help ?? I am going back to see the doctor this friday 13th june 2014 to discuss things. Can anyone on here give me some input 

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  • sandj
    sandj Member Posts: 27
    edited June 2014

    It sounds like you need to get another opinion. Given your family history it probably is best to do a bilateral mastectomy. Also, the reconstructed breasts will be a better match if done at the same time. Best wishes

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2014

    Hello all1nel, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. Following up on sandj's suggestion, if you want to learn more about the when, where and what to expect of Getting a Second Opinion in the linked section of the main Breastcancer.org site.

    Best wishes,

    • The Mods

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited June 2014

    I see that you are in the UK. 

    Do you have a choice or does your government run health care allow doctors to remove your personal choice? 

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