Single mastectomy or double mastectomy? At a crossroads - need guidance.

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jessiey

06/28/2019 at 1:46 AM

Good advisor

Hello everyone,

I had 4 cycles of two drugs of chemotherapy: FEC-T and Docetaxel; however, the doctor has recommended a mastectomy for my left breast, which is my affected side, and lymph node clearance, followed with radiation therapy from what I understand. However, nothing for my right breast. The doctor says I have an intermediate risk of cancer later in life appearing in the right breast.

The surgery is not scheduled because I am at a crossroads... I have the option to get both removed... would not I be better off just getting a double mastectomy so I do not have to go through all of this again, which is like a 60% chance? Or am I crazy?

Has anyone gone through this dilemma?

My current dilemma relates to surgery which is scheduled in about 7 weeks time, but not yet fixed, and what I perceive as the best treatment for me as the individual. I have always been upfront and said the best treatment for me is a mastectomy and Lymph node clearance on the affected side and a risk reducing mastectomy on the other side, I have intermediate/high risk genetically. I am certain to need radiotherapy and have opted for a later reconstruction.

All comments

pfout49

08/08/2019 at 9:42 PM

I was diagnosed with stage 1a, 2 tumors, 1.0 and 1.5, grade 2 in my left breast. Since my Mother and Sis both passed away with BC, I opted to remove both. It is definitely a personal choice. However if you do opt to keep your other breast, be very vigilant in your mammograms and self exams. My bilateral mastectomy was on 7/3 and all went well. I have expanders in and will be having my exchange to implants in about 4 mos. Whatever you decide, all the best to you.

Single mastectomy or double mastectomy? At a crossroads - need guidance. https://www.carenity.us/forum/breast-cancer/your-opinion-on-breast-cancer-treatments/single-mastectomy-or-double-mastectomy-at-a-cr-1139 2019-08-08 21:42:55

Lee__R

Community manager

09/21/2019 at 10:22 PM

Good advisor

Thank you for sharing your advice and experience @pfout49‍. I am glad to here that all went well in your bilateral mastectomy!

1984survivor!

10/08/2019 at 1:41 AM

Good advisor

@jessiey‍ - weigh the pros and cons and get second opinions from doctors. Definitely not an easy choice, but as the above poster mentioned, family history may also come in to play in your consideration. Wish you the best!

pal1210

10/10/2019 at 3:23 AM

Agree, weigh the pros and cons and consider family history. It is a personal choice. I opted to have a mastectomy, but have had second thoughts now. Wish I had gotten a second opinion and not rushed into having the surgery. Hindsight is after the fact, so look at what you think is best for you, prayers for you pink sister. Wishing you the best.