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My Choice Double Mastectomy

80sKat
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Hi,

I was diagnosed in Jan with Breast Cancer. I am just waiting on my surgery results. 

I was denied a Double or single mastectomy as it wasn't deemed necessary however depending on my results if I need more surgery I have requested no more surgery unless they remove my breast entirely. 

My Surgeon and team are really causing me great distress as they are not listening to me about my wishes.

I have very small extremely dense painful breasts. They are full of cysts FULL of them. Before the cancer 3 out of 4 weeks I'm in agony and can not sleep due to the discomfort. I am 43 and have had my children and breastfeed them both I play alot of sport and my breasts cause me so much discomfort. 

I do not want my breasts anymore have zero love for them and now I hate them even more. I am going to be constantly stressed with every new painful cyst I feel and constantly in and out if hospital getting them checked. Plus Mammograms are useless for me as I have extremely dense breasts my cancer was missed on the mammogram twice. 

Basically..... where do I stand in the UK with my right to have my breasts removed. I Don't care if I have to go private I just desperately want them removed. 

I'm not getting listened to at all as it's all about saving healthy tissue but what about my mental health going forward.

Any information help would be amazing. 

Xx

  • Hello, and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation. It does sound like this has caused you some distress. I am also sorry to hear that this is having an affect on your mental health.

    In making a decision about surgery the doctors try and make the best decision on a case by case basis. I am not sure that you have the right to say what surgery you want but I am sure they will take your wishes in to consideration. The surgeons discuss each case in a large formal meeting where other surgeons are present. A mastectomy is a large operation and is not without risks.

    The doctors will bring you in for discussions once the pathologist has had a chance to report his findings at this formal meeting and to let them know that there are clear margins around the area that has been removed.

    Once you have had this appointment if you still feel unhappy with their treatment decisions you do have the option to have a second opinion but you may have to pay for it. We have information on our website about getting a second opinion which you can see here

    If you haven't had a chance to talk this through with your breast cancer nurse then it may be helpful to go through your concerns.

    You could also make an appointment to see your GP and get their opinion on this.

    You may find it helpful to also chat this through with the charity Breast Cancer Now which is mainly manned by breast cancer nurses. Their number is Freephone 0808 800 6000.

    If you would like to speak to the nurses on our helpline then you are welcome to ring us. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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