Deciding later to have the other breast removed...

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manna1qd
manna1qd Member Posts: 46
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a mastectomy with tram flap in 2001. I just had a biopsy because I am developing some skin changes in the remaining breast. I have been reassured by two surgeons that it isn't cancer looking but I will get the results of the biopsy on Thursday. When I was diagnosed, a double mastectomy wasn't discussed. Now, I am thinking of opting for a prophylactic mastectomy just to reduce my anxiety about changes and reducing my chances of cancer in the remaining breast. I had a good experience with the first surgery. Has anyone out there opted later on to have a second mastectomy just for peace of mind?

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  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #2
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    I opted for a simple mastectomy about 2 years after having a radical mastectomy. Had questionable mammo and doctors told me if they biopsied one area and it was negative didn't mean the other areas were negative. Doctors said "you have to decide" before the surgery; but what I found interesting is that after the simple mastectomy several said "that was a wise choice". Know they didn't want to influence me but wished they had shared that before the surgery. I don't regret the surgery, for me it was better than having a questionable mammo every six months and the anxiety that goes with that.
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #3
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    My sister had a unilateral mastectomy and was in remission for several months. She began to have symptoms and thought cancer was back. Dr. said no, but she persisted and went for a second opinion...it was back. From there it started spreading to other areas in the body. I'm not trying to scare you...each individual is different. Because of her experience, when I found out I had unilateral bc in may '07 unilateral mastectomy was advised, I decided on bilateral from the outset. Our insurance would not pay for the prophylactic mastectomy, but I wanted to have peace of mind. It is a big decision and you have to choose what is best for yourself. It would be nice if we could have a rule book with guarantees, "if you do A,B, and C, X,Y, and Z will definitely happen", but cancer is not like that.

    I am sudying reconstruction options. My Dr. is not recommending tram flap for me because it would be bilateral and would not leave much muscle in the abdomen. Just one more thing for you to think about, since you already have had a Tram flap. Most of my research indicates second tram flap is not an option, talk to your Dr. I don't know about DIEP, or less invasive forms of reconstruction with your own tissue.

    best wishes with your decision. seof
  • ladybluepgh
    ladybluepgh Member Posts: 76
    #4
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    hi manna...I had a unilateral mastectomy in sept 07 and I'm now in the process of trying to get my insurance company to approve a prophylactic 2nd one...the anxiety is always there and the prosthesis is uncomfortable and heavy...I'm having back problems..so I'm opting for mastectomy without reconstruction...keep me informed ...I pray your biopsy comes out ok..take care
  • manna1qd
    manna1qd Member Posts: 46
    #5
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    ladybluepgh said:

    hi manna...I had a unilateral mastectomy in sept 07 and I'm now in the process of trying to get my insurance company to approve a prophylactic 2nd one...the anxiety is always there and the prosthesis is uncomfortable and heavy...I'm having back problems..so I'm opting for mastectomy without reconstruction...keep me informed ...I pray your biopsy comes out ok..take care

    My biopsy did come back normal. Both surgeons I saw thought it wasn't IBC but I needed that confirmation. I definitely am thinking about it. My plastic surgeon told me up front that if I needed a second breast reconstructed, he couldn't do it from the tram. It's no small surgery so I will think on it. Thanks for the input.
  • karbear
    karbear Member Posts: 163
    #6
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    I was in your same shoes..I had a mastectomy in 2002, a year later had a implant put in,which was the biggest mistake in my life!! After two years of pain and misery ,it had capsulated and I had it removed. I had met with a doctor that did the DIEP and he was wonderful,I also had some areas that concerned me in my remaining breast so I had asked the doctor about having it removed also.He had said It was totally up to me and it was the best decision I had made.I had my surgery with the DIEP and a mastectomy on the remaining breast. It definately gives you a big peace of mind for sure. And you will reduce your chances by a whole bunch. I am very happy with my decision and I wish you the best of Luck with yours

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