Single or double mastectomy?

[Melissa]

Hello,
I opted for the double. I don't believe it reduces your chance of a recurrence (same cancer), however it does reduce your chance of a new cancer in the other breast by about 98%. I was at a higher risk of cancer in the other breast since I was diagnosed young. While I know I may have to fight the battle again some day I did not want it to be from a new cancer in the other breast. If the other breast was to get cancer it would probably mean chemo again. Chemo ups my risk for other health issues. Removing both breast seemed less risky. The axillary dissection was also the hardest for me. Best wishes,

[ElaineM]

I know nothing about mastectomy, but if it were me I would speak in depth with my doc about the pros and consand the reasons for our choices before the surgery to make sure we are both are on the same page and we both feel comfortable with the decision we make.

[freyja]

Thank you soo much for your help everyone. Currently, I've spoken to my radiation oncologist and surgeon. My surgeon is typically conservative in this matter and thinks I should leave the healthy breast alone, for now. He also said that if I make the decision for a double we'll have to postpone the surgery a week or two, and he thinks I should take that time to think about it. He said my right breast is very healthy and the odds of cancer appearing in that breast are very low.

My radiaition oncologist (a woman) said that it is certainly a consideration and despite whatever the odds are, my peace of mind is important. She's getting in touch with my medical oncologist to get his opinion included, and find out if we can do the gene test quickly, although that may not completely sway my decision. The fact that I am so young may merit the choice for double.

My feelings: Mentally I think I would have more peace of mind.
Physically I would feel much better being symmetrical and not have to wear a bra or prosthetic. Also, I'm ok with not having any more children. I'd also prefer to have only one surgery if possible and not have to go through this again next year. I'm pretty certain I'd prefer not to reconstruct.

Financially, I have good insurance coverage now since I kept my policy going on Cobra when I resigned from my job, but when that time is up, I'm not sure what kind of coverage I'll have.

The only pros I can really think of are having a breast with sensation, but the assymetry kind of overpowers that one for me. I'm a c cup so it's a pretty big difference.

I really like my surgeon, and I think he'll do the double if I demand it, he just wants to discourage it, since it's a big decision. He may not understand that I'm a very non-traditional girl, not so concerned about looking like a traditional girl. I like to keep my life as simple as possible.

[freyja]

Just wanted to update and say that my new surgery date is 1/28 since I will most likely have the bilateral mastectomy (one modified radical and one simple). My med. oncologist, radiation oncologist, naturopath and nurses are all supportive of the choice. So is my husband. Even my son seemed to understand the reasoning. I have an appt. with my surgeon next Friday to convince him I know what I'm doing.

Your advice was so helpful. Thank you.
Celeste