Mastectomy Question
I have IBC in the left breast, so it goes without saying that when I get to surgery time, the left breast and nodes are gone.
My question involves whether to get a bilateral mastectomy, that is get a simple (prophylactic) mastectomy of the right breast at the same time. Any thoughts you could share would be appreciated.
What I know is that if there is reoccurence, it is most likely either in the same location or mets; so I know that I'm not removing my right for medical reasons, though it doesn't preclude an occurence there.
I am, however, considering the esthetics. You see, I'm a D-cup and the thought of trying to manage a prosthetic for one side only, particularly when I have to beware for lymphedema. I'm considering the pros of not requiring a bra at all, not worrying about appearance by being lop-sided (not that I think it would matter to me, but still, you never know) and having the option of being a smaller size without breast reduction surgery.
I'm not ruling out reconstructive surgery either, I'm just trying to decide on the here and now part.
Thanks,
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Gayle
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Live Strong
IBC dx August 9/06
ER/PR +2
HER2/neu +
chemo August 11/06 - January 8/07
herceptin - 17 treatments, every 3 wks - end Jan 2008
IMRT rads 5 weeks
surgery May 1/07 bilateral mastectomy (left modified radical, right simple)
prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy March 2008
letrozole, 2.5 mg daily, start June 2008
lymphedema, left arm, April 2008
osteoporosis, lower spine, August 2010 - fosamax 70 mg
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