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freyja · 01-14-2009, 01:23 PM

O.k. New concern. My single radical mastectomy is scheduled for next wed. the 21st, but I'm really wondering if I should get my surgeon to do a double. If we're removing one, I think I'd rather be even on both sides and do both, then if I decide to reconstruct later they'll both be the same still, instead of one real one implant. I am a dancer, I always wanted to be flat like the other ballerinas!
Also, I'm assuming this would reduce my risk of recurrence. I think they'll still recommend radiation to be sure the remaining lymph nodes and scar tissue are cleared, and my onc said in women under 40, radiation to one side of the chest wall can double the risk of recurrence in the other remaining breast.
My surgeon said before that he recommends just doing one for now because it's a lot to do and we can consider the other one later on, but I'm feeling like, why not do both now and not have to do it later on. I know people have doubles all the time.
Anyway, I left messages for my doctors to call me back on the matter, but I wanted to see what you've got to say, too.
Celeste

01-14-2009, 01:23 PM	#1
freyja Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 347	Single or double mastectomy? O.k. New concern. My single radical mastectomy is scheduled for next wed. the 21st, but I'm really wondering if I should get my surgeon to do a double. If we're removing one, I think I'd rather be even on both sides and do both, then if I decide to reconstruct later they'll both be the same still, instead of one real one implant. I am a dancer, I always wanted to be flat like the other ballerinas! Also, I'm assuming this would reduce my risk of recurrence. I think they'll still recommend radiation to be sure the remaining lymph nodes and scar tissue are cleared, and my onc said in women under 40, radiation to one side of the chest wall can double the risk of recurrence in the other remaining breast. My surgeon said before that he recommends just doing one for now because it's a lot to do and we can consider the other one later on, but I'm feeling like, why not do both now and not have to do it later on. I know people have doubles all the time. Anyway, I left messages for my doctors to call me back on the matter, but I wanted to see what you've got to say, too. Celeste __________________ "Dancers Against Cancer" in the Eugene, OR Komen Race for the Cure 2010 Diagnosed 8/7/08 with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, micropapillary pattern, Her2 3+, ER+,PR-, grade II, positive lymph nodes. Received 6doses of Taxotere, Carboplatin with Herceptin continuing for a year...DONE. 1/28/09 Left Modified Radical Mastectomy, Right Simple Mastectomy. Surgery pathology: No invasive carcinoma present and 17 lymph nodes removed all negative! Only small amount of carcinoma in situ in left breast. March/April '09, Radiation to left chest wall. Currently involved in Neratinib clinical trial. "Well being I won and wisdom too, I grew and joyed in my growth; from a word to a word I was led to a word from a deed to another deed." (Odin)