Double Mastectomy to reduce risk?

Renee, Although I cant help answer this I wanted to say hi.  We have the same dx date.  Prayers going up for you to get your answer. 

hugs

Debi

I'm actually one of those young girls (31), that opted NOT to do a bilateral mastectomy.

I did ask my risk of developing a new primary in the other breast and was told by my onc 20-30% lifetime risk. Soooooo, 70-80% I won't develop a new primary. I can live with these risks. I then asked if I should have the healthy breast removed he said no. My BS and PS never recommended me to remove it as well. My BS actually said it was unnessary. I am ER+ though..... so the Tamoxifen I am taking will reduce my risk of a new primary as well, and after that I will likely be on an AI. I know that a mastectomy would reduce the risk of a new breast cancer by a lot, but the risk is still there.I already feel uneasy about one implant and not really knowing what to look for as in lumps. Another implant would really just add to my anxiety since they can't do mammograms ect...I'm scared that a cancer may lurk somewhere and go undected for years! These are just my fears.

I have also made some lifestyle changes that I feel will help me lower my risk as well. When I have my exchange surgery this fall..I will have a lift and reduction on the healthy breast. I have seen photos from my PS and the symmetry is excellent. Reality is ..I won't be standing in front of a mirror with a compass and ruler to see if I'm equal. I just want to look good in my clothes and my husband agrees.

there are so many factors that will influence your decision. Whatever it is, it will be the right for you and thats important. I just wanted you to hear a voice that said no and my reasons since I don't think your decision should be rushed.

I chose bilateral mastectomy also.... I had IDC and DCIS in right side and they could not get clear margins after 2 lumpectomies.. So since I really needed the right side removed, I didn't want to go through it all again later in the other side. I started out as a 44 DDD, and the plastic surgeon said he could do a reduction on the left side and an implant on the right but they would never match, so I just did them both, and now I can decide later what I want to do about reconstruction.  The left side was okay, but who knows about what would happen in the future. They were too big anyway.

Renee. It's a tough decision, but it doesn't always have to be medically based. Learn all you can, then follow your gut. I was offered lumpectomy & radiation after a biopsy showed IDC in Right breast. I wanted a mastectomy to get the cancer once and for all. My breast surgeon felt I was taking an extreme and unnecessary course of action. I'm also very practical, so I chose a bilateral w/ immed. reconstruction. After surgery, my pathology came back with 2 invasive tumors & a breast full of DCIS. My surgeon told me afterwards, "you were right - you needed a mastectomy." The opposite breast was only going to worry me, so as hard as it was to lose it, I am sure I did the right thing. Bilateral also gave me a better reconstruction outcome - they match. I have never regretted the bilateral. I grieve the loss of my breasts, but I am sure bilateral was right for me. Good luck with your decision. 

I had a mastectomy back in January.  At the time my BS told me that I would need my left breast removed, I opted for a double right then and there.  But due to time restraints in the OR, I couldn't have it done at that time.  I'm still planning on having my right one removed as soon as the onc and BS tells me it is ok to do so.  I'm doing it for the piece of mind.

ReneeL: Follow your heart and do what is best for your own peace of mind. Rarely, do Breast surgeons ever recommend a double mastectomy, you have to be your own advocate.  I had Stage I IDC Grade I, and after going over my options with a friend who is a pathologist, I opted for a double mastectomy/with immediate reconstruction.  It was 1 1/2 years ago at 47 and looking back now, I never would have changed a thing.  I did not want to worry every six months getting MRI's and mammograms on my healthy breast since this bc snuck up on me out of no where after a normal mammogram 2 months prior to my diagnosis with no family history whatsoever.   You have to do what is right for you.  The nice part of it is, is that you are symmetrical and you do not have to have the other one adjusted or worry about it anymore.  Do you miss them?  Yes, but I will tell you the implants do look real natural.  Good luck!

I was first DX with DCIS on my Left during my Biopsy.  I was told I could easily have a Lump & Rads.   The more I read about Rads...The more I was against them.

I decided then that I wanted a BLM.

My BS would not listen to me when I said I wanted a BLM.  So I ended up having a Lump.

And 5 weeks later had a BLM With Expanders placed. 

  I feel I have reduced my Chance of A New Cancer on my Good Side as much as Possible.  My BS said have a Lump & we will watch you like a hawk...I know that watching a Person like a Hawk does not prevent BC.  And what if I get a New Cancer on my Good Side & nodes are involved.  I did not want to take that risk.

I do not have a Matched set.  Infact I have Symmastia- My Implants became a Uniboob.  I look terrible & Feel deformed & Ugly.  Reconstruction can & does go wrong.

I still do not regret having a BLM.   I would worry Much More If I had 2 Breasts.

That said.  I do Miss my Breasts tremendously.  I think If I looked Normal & Could wear a bra without Pain...I might not miss them quite so much.

But I hurt & have no feeling in my Chest...And surrounding area.  Most women stay numb to a degree after a Mastectomy.

I know it is a very hard decision to make.  Only you can make it & feel comfortable about your choice...While friends, Family & Drs may have Suggestions/Ideas.  You need to do whats right for You. 

Make a List of Pros & Cons.  Sometimes seeing it on paper helps.

Wishing you Well,

Pam

I was scheduled for bilateral but just got the call from surgeon's office that insurance will not cover the nondiseased side, go figure!

blondie45 - do you mind if I ask you your insurance carrier who declined you? 

I am a great advocate of following your gut reaction not necessarily the medical opinions. I just recently was dx with stage 2 in L and DCIS in R could have been conservative on the options but Knew I would constantly worry if I did not get a bilateral. Prayed and was given great courage and did it with recon at same time. Some may think it aggressive yet those are the people who are cancer free. We need to be great advocate of our tx. and  remember this to shall pass.