Bilateral or unilateral mastectomy

Suné1972
Suné1972 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi! I am a 40 year old recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. I have no family history of bc but my tumor was 2.2 cm already. Unsure of any lymph node involvement as I have opted for a mastectomy so I don't know exactly what stage I am. I really would like a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction considering my age and possibility for recurrence because I don't want to have to go through this again. Unsure if this sounds too aggressive or not. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Thursday to plan my course of treatment. I'm a little worried about how he will react to my request for a bilateral.

Comments

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #2
    Hi and welcome to this great
    Hi and welcome to this great site. I am very sorry that you've been diagnosed with bc. You will find out what stage and grade you are after your surgery in the pathology report. Your oncologist or breast surgeon will go over it with you.

    I had a lumpectomy with radiation treatments.

    This is your decision and you do what is best for you.


    Hugs, Diane
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #3
    I was 44 when initially diagnosed.
    That was in 2002. I requested a bi-lateral, my insurance declined. I had a right side mastectomy with reconstruction after finishing chemo. I wanted both out to give me peace of mind. That has changed, the insurance companies are approving more bi-laterals now.

    I wish you the best,
    Carol
  • Unhappy
    Unhappy Member Posts: 88
    #4
    wishing you the best
    I had my left breast removed and been thinking about having my other one removed because of family history .I had that type of cancer and after pathology test and oncolgist appiontment she dicided to put me on a pill for 5 years.
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #5
    I was 58 when diagnosed with
    I was 58 when diagnosed with a 2.2 cm tumor. I had an optimistic surgeon who thought I was stage II. She wanted to do a lumpectomy, but my gut told me to go with a bilateral - I had some doubts, but that was my strongest feeling. I did have a bilateral mastectomy and I am glad that I did. The right side was prophylactic. Since I needed radiation - I was diagnosed as stage III - and chemo, I did not have immediate reconstruction. I am now 62 and I am considering reconstruction. It was rough at first, but it gets better. Stand firm to what you believe. xoxoxo Lynn

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