mastectomy decision

jstanley

I have cancer for the 2nd time in one breast and will soon have a mastectomy. Juggling with the choice of having both done and being finished with this once and for all. Any advice from those who have considered this or done this will be much appreciated!

vac

i had both done i first decided to do it so they would look normal and even. i was glad i did it when they biopsy they saw changes. are you going to do the trams flap or extenders? good luck

auzigal

I only had the one side done, and although i dont think that i was ready for it at the time, i wish now that i had gone ahead and had both breats removed. At least that way they would look the same and I wouldnt have to worry about the tissue in the other side as much. It is a very personal decision though. Good Luck, no matter what you decide.

24242

Bad enough we have to face this once let alone all the times some must endure this crap. I was talked out of having both done at same time by my surgeon and my mother who is also an nurse. They both said very tramatic for the body to go through especially when dealing with cancer too. I worried about the side that had cancer and then ended up having the other removed a year later. More lumps but all benign and I had enough of that. I also ended up with raging staff infection that would of gone to the heart had I had both sides done at the same time. Staff infection didn't happen till after second chemo treatment. I hear of women having both done but can't imagine it myself. I thought they would have to give me both at once for fear of not being able to face it a second time. But I did. We all seem to face and get through what we must, but the least amount of surgery I have the better off I will be. Good luck with which ever or however you do this. Hang in there, I am amazed at what some people have to endure and do it gladly if it means they are still with us. I hope we meet in chat one day.
Be good to yourself,
Tara

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iris48

I opted to take both. At the time, the mammogram and ultrasound didn't show the cancer. It was invasive lobular. When the mastectomys were done, pathology showed I has not only the invasive lobular but a ductual in the right and the left breast. Senntinnel node dissections were done on both sides which I think is very important. It allows the surgeon to see the flow of lymph and take only a few nodes. By doing this, you also can save yourself the problem of lymphodema which is life long. I had skin saving mastectomys with expanders immediately put in. This 10/17, I had saline implants put in and the "Girls" are looking and feeling very natural. I am very active and I have full range of motion. The Bali bra fits beautifully and feels very comfortable on. I initially was considering more complicated procedures and thought I can always do those. Surgery was 1 hr 20 min. and I felt great. Good Luck lots of hugs. Iris

iris48

I opted to take both. At the time, the mammogram and ultrasound didn't show the cancer. It was invasive lobular. When the mastectomys were done, pathology showed I had not only the invasive lobular but a ductual in the right and the left breast. Senntinnel node dissections were done on both sides which I think is very important. It allows the surgeon to see the flow of lymph and take only a few nodes. By doing this, you also can save yourself the problem of lymphodema which is life long. I had skin saving mastectomys with expanders immediately put in. This 10/17, I had saline implants put in and the "Girls" are looking and feeling very natural. I am very active and I have full range of motion. The Bali bra fits beautifully and feels very comfortable on. I initially was considering more complicated procedures and thought I can always do those. Surgery was 1 hr 20 min. and I felt great. Good Luck lots of hugs. Iris

phylise

I had a mastectomy on my left side in May 2002, I wish that I had had enough time to think about it, done with 2 days of biopsy report, because if I had of, I would have opted to have both removed. Alot easier and no regrets...Good Luck...

she

I opted to have both removed and although I believe it was a good intellectual decision, I have found it very difficult, both emotionally and physically. I had immediate reconstruction andhave had a long and painful recovery period. My advise to you is to consider all aspects of this decision carefully. It is a very personal one. Also ask lots of questions and push for thorough answers. I was not prepared for the difficult recovery I experienced. Best of luck to you, I hope all goes well