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Pink said: Can someone explain the difference between a simple mastectomy and a
modified radical ... other than the lymph node part.
I am seriously considering a simple mastectomy because I am not happy
being a one-boob wonder. I was hoping that I would be the same on
both sides .... yes??? no????
It's the same thing, as you describe (MRM means an axillary dissection in addition to the simple mastectomy), but even when done at the same time, it's not always a match. The surgeons are looking at us lying flat and I think that it can look different when we're upright and healed. It's easy for them to miss small bits of breast tissue or fat, and skin can sag differently - especially since they're trying to leave enough skin for reconstruction, to keep our options open. I have a small puff of tissue on one side that's not on the other (and it grows when I gain weight, alas), plus rads changed the skin on the cancer side - so naked I'm not a match but it's close enough.
I don't wear prostheses. I tried but I felt too costumed - more aware of what I'd lost, not less. I do miss my breasts, when I think about it (which is not very often anymore) but I do NOT miss wearing bras.
Pink, do you have any questions of those of us who've had bilaterals? Are you thinking reconstruction?
Debbie Laxague
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