Removal of second breast

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enjoylife
enjoylife Member Posts: 578
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

I am going to have my reconstruction done next summer June 09 I have a expander in and I am thinking of having my other breast removed and having both rebuilt at the same time. Does anyone have any views pro or cons on that I am 57 had chemo and rad and I just want it behind me and dont want to worry about it coming to the other breast I dont need them for nursing etc anymore and It would be a relief for me even though I know it can come back to you anywhere. I am a single and would like to have breast back but its just the same small size I was I actually had my hairdresser say that is a good cheap way to get a boob job, I told her why dont you get bc so you can have a boob job dumb wasnt she when I get hair back she wont be cutting it at all..Please let me know your comments on this its just a thought for now..

MAURA

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  • Msklapkin
    Msklapkin Member Posts: 208
    edited October 2008

    Maura,

    I had both my breasts removed at the same time because I am BRCA2+

    I suggest you post this on the Reconstruction Forum, since may women on this thread have chosen NOT to have reconstruction done.

    I had both done at the same time and it was easy to have symmetry and matching girls.  I would speak with your PS about timing, etc.

    Good luck

    Susan

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  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 2,466
    edited October 2008

    Maura:

    I had just the one done with expander and recon and I truly wish I'd had the other one done at the same time, now I see how great the recon looks.  At the time I wasn't ready.

    I too feel the same way you do, I don't want to even worry about it, esp. every year with the mammo, etc. and all the trauma we go thru.  I have just heard and had it confirmed that unless you had positive nodes, or are BRAC+, it's only got about a 1% chance of recurrence in the other girl, with matxtmy and some form of txtment, like tamoxifen, armidex, etc.

    I am 52, and I am relieved not to have the gun to my head to make this decision, but I will get a prophy down the line I think.  I am getting an oopharectomy/hysterectomy as well in Jan. to clean out the entire basement, as i do not want any "surprises" going forwrd in life.

    Good luck to you whatever you do.  Talk to your onc and PS, they are usually quite understanding of this, it is a choice many of us are making rather than watching and waiting and losing our minds, not just the boobs.

    xoxo

    annie

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited November 2008

    Maura, I did exactly what you are thinking of, and am very happy I did.

    My decision was confirmed by the fact I found out I am BRCA2+, but I was certain I wanted it done in that way. Anyway, to ensure a match they had to touch up the other side, and as I have no plans to ever nurse or need my boobs, I couldn't see any reason to keep the glandular tissue.

    I didn't even need an expander, the op was done all in one, and I have back a pair of matching breasts. I'll get the fipples add-on soon. They look very good, and perky - and matching.

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