From what i remember when my wife was going through this, was no, a mastectomy doesn't prevent you from the cancer returning or it taking hold. What it does do is lessen your chances because less breast tissue = less places for it to take hold/or return.

My wife was initially down for a mastectomy, but ended up getting a lumpectomy due to her getting a full response to the cancer. We were delighted with the downgrade, but worries remained. We got it explained that a mastectomy does not get rid of 100% of the breast tissue, because that's next to impossible, supposedly. Makes sense, i suppose because they'd have to remove all the tissue from the skin and chest wall. There is a thing called a radical mastectomy that removes all skin, the nipples, muscles, lymph nodes etc, but that procedure is rarely done.

Not saying any of this to freak you out, it's just the facts as we were told them.

Thank you. I'm not freaked out at all, just trying to gather facts

Hi Karen,

I am so sorry to hear of the recent passing of your sister.

I had a double mastectomy 14 years ago, but still check myself regularly for recurrence. As ProfBaw says, a mastectomy reduces the chances, but is no guarantee that the cancer won't return. Please get this patch of skin checked out. It may be nothing significant, but better to be safe than sorry.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you. I'll make an appointment and get it seen to just to be safe

Hello and thank you for your post,

It sounds like you have been through a lot with the surgery you had done and I was sorry to read the sad news that your sister died from breast cancer.

Having risk-reducing surgery for breast cancer such as a double mastectomy can reduce your risk of breast cancer by 90 - 95%. It cannot remove the risk completely because it is not possible to remove all the breast tissue during the surgery. So it is good to still keep checking yourself regularly.

You may have seen this previously Breast Cancer Care Now has this information in their booklet about family history of breast cancer and how to manage it on their website which you can download.

Although I think the symptoms you are experiencing are unlikely to be caused by cancer, it is best to be safe and get yourself checked by your GP, so do make an appointment when you can.

I hope this helps a little. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care, all the best

Jemma

Thank you. 

I also found a lump just after I posted my first message. 

I saw my GP yesterday and have been referred to the breast clinic urgently 

Hi Karen,

I am glad that you have done this and I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found. 

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Given an urgent appointment on 23rd March! That's 18 days away and it's meant to be within 14 days. Is this normal to have to wait that long?

Hi Karen,

You have got your appointment within 14 days. It is not unusual for you to have to wait longer than that for the actual appointment date, as some of these clinics can be very busy. 

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx