Bilteral mastectomy or unilateral mastectmoy? Which do I do?

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raqmatt
raqmatt Member Posts: 6
edited August 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Without going into too many details.........Found a tumor in one of my breast, and needing to remove that breast.  Considering going ahead and doing removal of both breasts. There's so many pros and cons to both procedures.  Has anyone been in my shoes having to make this decision?  What decision did you make and are you happy with your decision?  Do you regret your decision?  Doctors told me there's no right or wrong, that it is totally my decision.


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  • Hopefloatsinyyc
    Hopefloatsinyyc Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2016

    decided on BMX for a variety of reasons, some of them simply vain (didn't want unmatched breasts- silly I know)... But post surgery we learned that the "healthy breast" indeed had early stage cancer that wasn't detected in initial testing so I was thrilled with my decision.

    I know you don't want to share too many details but the type of bc you have been diagnosed with does help others offer their insight- there is a wealth of information here.

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  • rianne2580
    rianne2580 Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2016

    Hi Raqmatt,

    I chose RMX. I wanted one arm strong, easy to sleep on that side and one side without pain or any issues. After 5 years I'm glad I chose this option because my RMX side gets sore sometimes, carrying groceries, weight lifting, swimming etc. Honestly, I use knitted knockers to look normal in clothes and they are painless and light. Plus, my other breast keeps my bras from sliding, I chose not to have recon. Of course, it's a personal choice but I share my reasons for a UniMX. Just want one side (arm) I can depend on when the other is sore.

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  • Janniree57
    Janniree57 Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2016

    Going through the same angst. Just completed chemo 8/18/16, and have appointment with my Surg Onc md to plan surgery, RMX, for early October. I want to know percentages for developing Ca in the Lt breast--never want to face chemo again--but also not vain enough to need my breasts to "match". I'd like a quick recovery, too, as my middle daughter is getting married in early November.

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  • Brenaj
    Brenaj Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2016

    I decided to have a BMX and have no regrets. My decision was based in part on family history, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 39 and my sister and I were both diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2015. I wanted to eliminate chances of getting cancer in the other breast. I also knew, before even meeting with the BS, that I was 99% certain I wanted a BMX. Also, I was quite large (DDD) and did not want to have to deal with having to trying to get the non-cancer breast to match the reconstructed side and vice-versa.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited August 2016

    I had a UMX almost 5 years ago because of no family history. I couldn't see cutting off a breast that was okay. However, that was then and this now. In the 3 years after my diagnosis, my mom and sister were also diagnosed. My sister and I have a genetic mutation called Chek 2 1100 delc. Now it would be in my best interest to have the other breast removed.

    The other thing to REALLY think about....every time I have to have a mammogram in my remaining breast, the anxiety is through the roof. At that time I ALWAYS think - "No breast is worth this much anxiety."

    Praying that you make the right decision for YOU!

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