I hate living with one breast!

gems
gems Member Posts: 10

I had a left mastectomy about 6 months ago and am doing great. However, I hate having one breast left. I find myself thinking about it before I go to bed and it is the first thing I think about when I wake up. It is haunting me. I do 2 breast exams a day. My logical side says not to worry, but my "feeling" side is stronger. I hate the prosthesis, so I never wear one. My right shoulder gets sore at times, I think from the remaining breast. I want to schedule another mastectomy. Has anyone else ever done this? Did the insurance pay for it? Was it hard to convince your surgeon to remove the remaining breast when basically it was still healthy? PLease share your story with me. Thank you so much!!

Comments

  • kmenurse
    kmenurse Member Posts: 217
    I didn't have to even ask to

    I didn't have to even ask to have the remaining breast removed it was offered to me.  I am also schedualed to have reconstruction surgery right after my masstectomy tomorrow... I would discuss your feelings with your Doctors... The reconstruction should also be offered to you.... And your insurance contact them also... Most will cover it... Good Luck! and God Bless!....Kathy

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    I LOVE LIVING!

    TO me the bottom line is I LOVE LIVING!

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    I LOVE LIVING!

    TO me the bottom line is I LOVE LIVING!

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

  • kjrpcb
    kjrpcb Member Posts: 41
    Living with one breast

    I was diagnosed with breast CAon the left side . I elected to have my right breast removed as well as I like symmetry and didn't want to deal with having just one breast. Sometimes I wear my prosthesis and sometimes I don't. I find it liberating. 

    Best regards

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    My friend did exactly that

    Hi Gems,

    My friend had a mastectomy and while she was doing fine - like you felt the constant worry about her other breast.  She eventually had her other breast removed.  Insurance did pay for it.  Today she is happy that she did it.  It has given her more peace of mind.  I know that everyone is different so I hope that whatever direction you choose to go, you find peace of mind.

    Best,

    Clementine

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    Double post
    Sorry!
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    I had a single mastectomy
    Wanted a bi, ins. in 2002 denied it. Wasnt going to reconstruct, but ps talked me into it. I was 44 and newly single. Dit it, implants in both. They look good in clothes, tatooed the whole scared one and it looks pretty. But they dont feel so good but I can live with it. For me do-over would have been double and prosthetic.
    I respect your decision and would talk to the surgeon. It is all about whatever makes us happy. What works for one may not be right for someone else. So go with your gut, you know what is important to you and go for it!

    Hugs,
    carol
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    kmenurse said:

    I didn't have to even ask to

    I didn't have to even ask to have the remaining breast removed it was offered to me.  I am also schedualed to have reconstruction surgery right after my masstectomy tomorrow... I would discuss your feelings with your Doctors... The reconstruction should also be offered to you.... And your insurance contact them also... Most will cover it... Good Luck! and God Bless!....Kathy

    We are each unique!

    Immediate recon is not always an option.   With IBC (Inflamatory Breast Cancer) it is not an option - need to wait at least a year before recon if it's wanted.

    I do agree that the Drs should talk to 'you' about when recon can be done but immediate recon is not something to be offered to all at time of mast..  There is also the point that if you are going to be doing rads as they can effect the recon work.  I do not understand how so many only see a surgeon (and possibly a PS) before surgery.  Surgeons are not the ones who deal with your TX other than they cut out.  My surgeon was the first that I saw - that was on a Mon (Thurs had been new mammo, sono and FNB, Fri DX - IBC), saw  Rads Dr on Wed and Chemo Dr on Thurs.  

    We all need to remember that what was the 'right' TX for us is not 'right' for all.  Also that not all react the same and there is no one way to react.  All of us have lived different lives which is what makes us who we are.  Our Beliefs also play into how we react.

    Winyan -The Power Within

    Susan

  • muffingranma
    muffingranma Member Posts: 107
    one breast.

     had a mastectomy on my left breast. I still have my right breast. I have no desire for reconstruction or removing my right breast. I have burnt so much from radiation and been drained in the mastectomy area so much. I just want to heal and go on to something else for a while. They say my cancer will come back because it is rare cancer called Angiosarcoma.  Treatment only postpones this cancer. Nothing gets rid of it, that it will come back. That is just what I want for myself. Everyone is different and should go with what you think is best for you.  Best wishes for you and your decision, hugs from here

  • mollyz
    mollyz Member Posts: 756 Member
    One breast!!

    I have only one breast my right and it gets on my nerves being one breasted i know i can have reconstruction but im not sure what i want,i ask my husband what do he think but he really doesnt understand the feeling of putting on a prostesis everyday it feels like saddling up a horse lol.My back hurts because of being lop sided i find myself leaning to one side. ~~MollyZ~~

  • gems
    gems Member Posts: 10
    Thank you everyone. I made an

    Thank you everyone. I made an appt. to talk with my doctor. I am also seeing a therapist and am feeling better. 

  • Kaycee13
    Kaycee13 Member Posts: 2
    One Breast

     

    My Mom went through the same thing, she hated it.  She had inflammatory breast cancer and she was very big busted. The fake breast was hot and stupid thing drove her nuts.  They are not made well; she never got a new breast.   I had a lumpectomy and because of her I did everything to save my breast.  That is not always a choice; with inflammatory it is a bigger battle.  I would see what the doctors will do for you, if you had inflammatory or you tested positive on the cancer blood test.   You may be able to have the other breast removed. 

     

    You have every right to feel the way you do, do not let anyone tell you to just get over it.  People did that to my Mom and it hurt her feelings.  Nothing about this is fun and my thoughts & prayers are with you.

     

     

     

  • Kaycee13
    Kaycee13 Member Posts: 2
    One Breast

     

    My Mom went through the same thing, she hated it.  She had inflammatory breast cancer and she was very big busted. The fake breast was hot and stupid thing drove her nuts.  They are not made well; she never got a new breast.   I had a lumpectomy and because of her I did everything to save my breast.  That is not always a choice; with inflammatory it is a bigger battle.  I would see what the doctors will do for you, if you had inflammatory or you tested positive on the cancer blood test.   You may be able to have the other breast removed. 

     

    You have every right to feel the way you do, do not let anyone tell you to just get over it.  People did that to my Mom and it hurt her feelings.  Nothing about this is fun and my thoughts & prayers are with you.

     

     

     

  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    gems said:

    Thank you everyone. I made an

    Thank you everyone. I made an appt. to talk with my doctor. I am also seeing a therapist and am feeling better. 

    Glad to know that you're

    Glad to know that you're feeling better Gems!

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    Kaycee13 said:

    One Breast

     

    My Mom went through the same thing, she hated it.  She had inflammatory breast cancer and she was very big busted. The fake breast was hot and stupid thing drove her nuts.  They are not made well; she never got a new breast.   I had a lumpectomy and because of her I did everything to save my breast.  That is not always a choice; with inflammatory it is a bigger battle.  I would see what the doctors will do for you, if you had inflammatory or you tested positive on the cancer blood test.   You may be able to have the other breast removed. 

     

    You have every right to feel the way you do, do not let anyone tell you to just get over it.  People did that to my Mom and it hurt her feelings.  Nothing about this is fun and my thoughts & prayers are with you.

     

     

     

    You can feel however you

    You can feel however you want, mad, angry, upset.  You are certainly entitled to it.  I am glad you feel you can express it here with us.  I hope it helps you some.

    Hugs, Rose

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    Kaycee13 said:

    One Breast

     

    My Mom went through the same thing, she hated it.  She had inflammatory breast cancer and she was very big busted. The fake breast was hot and stupid thing drove her nuts.  They are not made well; she never got a new breast.   I had a lumpectomy and because of her I did everything to save my breast.  That is not always a choice; with inflammatory it is a bigger battle.  I would see what the doctors will do for you, if you had inflammatory or you tested positive on the cancer blood test.   You may be able to have the other breast removed. 

     

    You have every right to feel the way you do, do not let anyone tell you to just get over it.  People did that to my Mom and it hurt her feelings.  Nothing about this is fun and my thoughts & prayers are with you.

     

     

     

    I think seeing a therapist is

    I think seeing a therapist is a great idea.  They will be able to help you through all of the feelings that you are going through. 

    Sending positive vibes and lots of prayers,

    Diane

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    Pink Rose said:

    You can feel however you

    You can feel however you want, mad, angry, upset.  You are certainly entitled to it.  I am glad you feel you can express it here with us.  I hope it helps you some.

    Hugs, Rose

    Sending you a big hug! 

    Sending you a big hug!  Hoping you check back in with us and that your therapy is helping.

    Hugs, Angie