Right breast with cancer but I want double mastectomy

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nakivagyok25
nakivagyok25 Member Posts: 3
edited January 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After


AS I still have 2 more chemo rounds to do, I was talking with a surgeon about mastectomy. I have Invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast, but I want a double mastectomy. My insurance will fully pay for mastectomy and reconstruction, but my doctor does not want to do the surgery on both breast just the right. In 2014 I had a mammogram on the right breast, where a small lump was seen but without a biopsy the diagnosis was that the lump is benign. I was diagnosed 2 years later with stage IV breast cancer in the right breast for the same lump. How am I to convince my surgeon to do bilateral mastectomy if she does see it necessary for me, but I am freaking out of fear that it will develop in my left breast as well. My ultrasound showed some minor calcifications, spent at least half hour looking at those and my surgeon, does not think I need it. What are my rights asking for a double mastectomy, knowing that I am doing very well with chemo, my blood work is very good and I don't have issues or complications.

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  • Freya244117
    Freya244117 Member Posts: 603
    edited January 2017

    Is it possible to find another breast surgeon who will do the surgery for you? You have every right to a second opinion. Good luck.

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  • nakivagyok25
    nakivagyok25 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2017

    Thank you Freya! If the surgeon does really not understand my request, I will see of course someone else.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2017

    Hi nakivagyok25,

    We just wanted to send a warm welcome and thanks for joining and participating in our Community. As you can already see, you'll find it an incredibly supportive and helpful space. Please let us know if you need any help at all as you navigate the discussion boards.

    We look forward to hearing more from you and supporting you!

    --The Mods

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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2017

    Are you in the States? I know over here, you are entitled to it, it's not really the dr's. choice... I can't speak for any systems outside the States.. I had a 2nd cancer in my left breast.. I said if you are going in anyway, take both, and they did. Dr. didn't blink an eye at my request



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  • nakivagyok25
    nakivagyok25 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2017

    So happy that I found this forum, helps tremendously!

    Cheers, Irene

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  • TexJerseyGirl
    TexJerseyGirl Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2017

    Irene,

    If you are expressing concern to your doctor about fear of recurrence or a new cancer in the other breast, your doctor is right to try and convince you that a bmx is not necessary. Statistically, having cancer in one breast does not increase the chances of getting cancer in the other. Doctors take an oath to "do no harm" and unnecessary surgery would qualify. That doesn't mean that you aren't entitled to make treatment decisions for yourself. It's just that some doctors may push back if they feel your decision is based on fear or misinformation.

    Just tell your surgeon that you are not at all interested in continuing the cycle of anxiety, mammograms, biopsy, more anxiety, etc., or tell her that symmetry is your primary concern. Both are very VALID reasons to insist on a bmx, and stick to your guns!

    Good luck.


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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    I insisted on the "good" breast being removed at the same time. Thank heavens I did because it already had good size tumors that were hidden. And I could not have emotionally lived with one on & one off. I could have gone flat or had recon, but not 1/2 & 1/2. That said, it is a personal decision for each of us. If you are in the US, it is your right but you may need to get a different surgeon.

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  • tapwhite
    tapwhite Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2017

    I'm choosing BMX and I have Stage 1 ILC. It is your right & your body to make the decision that's right for you. Go with your gut and a doctor that supports that 😁

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited January 2017

    I told my BS from the beginning I wanted both off. He honored my demand. If yours won't, find one who will.

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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2017

    Just to add to my story, my doctor first went the round of you only need to remove the left breast... I told her no, I needed to remove both.. She had me do another mammo on my right side, nothing showed, but I let her know I wouldn't do it any other way. Her answer to me was "I don't disagree with you". I think they are supposed to advise on only taking the breast with cancer, but I don't think most disagree with doing a bilateral...

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  • 3bears
    3bears Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2017

    Nakivagyok25--I had cancer in my left breast only. If you really want a bilateral you should seek out a surgeon who will do it. I did the bilateral and I don't regret it one bit. My " good" breast had already had 2 biopsies done on it. My mother had BC in both breasts and I have known most of my life that I would probably get it too. Everyonessituation is different though. I fall into a category where being at very high risk for BC makes a double mastectomy reasonable. Good luck in your search for a BS.

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