Prophylactic Mastectomy

Val Pfeiffer · 06-01-2006, 07:25 PM

My Dx info is about the same as tousled1. I had only the affected breast removed and I haven’t yet had reconstruction. Mekasan—did you have radiation? I am still debating whether or not to take off the other breast, but since one side was radiated and the other side wasn’t, I think I will still have an “uneven” look if I have reconstruction on both sides.

Have any of you had reconstruction on both sides after one side was radiated? Have any of you had both breasts removed and had no reconstruction? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, everyone. I;'m thinkin' that maybe I don’t really need breasts…they have caused me too much trouble already (well at least one of them has; the other one is on a sort of permanent probation…)

jener8er · 06-01-2006, 07:54 PM

Hi Val, I'll be happy to share what my recon comes out like - I had radiation on one side and I'm reconstructing both. I'm hoping for a more symmetrical look by doing both at the same time. I'm also done with my good side - once one has tried to kill you, I have a whole different relationship with the other one! I feel like I have a time bomb strapped to my chest. My surgery is June 21st and I'll keep you all posted with how it comes out - can't be any worse, right?

Annemarie · 06-01-2006, 09:33 PM

I had first a single mastectomy because my doctor felt I should do what is necessary for the diagnosis and be treated. He felt we could always re-visit treated the other breast. I was 31 and very overwhelmed and I think the Drs. concern for me was that is ws too many decisions to make all at once.

I did get the other breast removed partly to avoid bc in the other breast but also so they match. The could have inserted an implant in healthy breast to give it a lift. For me it was the right decision but my breast surgeon asked me why I would amputate an healthy breast? With proper screening he felt I would be fine.
Annemarie

JackieC · 06-02-2006, 07:47 AM

I was diagnosed in 2/2005, Stage 1, one side only. I didn't hesitate a second to decide to remove both with immediate reconstruction (expanders, later replaced by silcone implants). My sister passed at 41 from BC, so that played into my decision. I was so glad I had both removed, like you, the mammo showed only one area (biopsy said Invasive, the lab examining tissue said DCIS only) but there was a second area on the same side that was invasive that the mammo, MRI and ultrasound did not pick up. It was 2mm. The other side was free of any issues, but I'm so glad it is gone! I love the reconstruction! I can lift weights, box, run, etc. with no issues. My final implants replaced the expanders a few months after I began Herceptin. The Dr. said Herceptin didn't matter when doing surgery, I delayed it a bit because of moving and a vacation. It is a personal choice, but I have yet to hear from anyone who has regretted it! Good luck!

Lolly · 06-02-2006, 08:57 AM

I had a left modified radical mast. in '99, and after a local/regional recurrence in 2001, a right simple mast. for peace of mind. My pcp, onc and breast specialist/surgeon were all very supportive of my decision, and although I later recurred again to the right axilla, I feel the preemptive mastectomy saved me additional trauma/surgery. I've had no reconstruction, just a personal choice.

<3 Lolly