Why can’t I have a double mastectomy

I had a mastectomy in 2017 for high grade DCIS.. I was advised to have a mastectomy - at the time I asked for a double mastectomy but was told no as the other side was fine. I offered to pay private but was also told no

i had reconstructive surgery - implant. This was painful, tight and u comfortable and then it ruptured. I had to wait 4 year for it to be replaced. 


since the replacement the pain is the same and the nurses believe a capsule has formed again (awaiting doctors appointment)

my question is why can I not have the other side removed - this would mean no more mammograms, no more surgery’s, no more painful implants. 

Celebrities can have this done, people can have preventative surgery without even having it and people changing gender can have them removed. 

this is really affecting me and my quality of life 

Parents
  • Hi Sally 1234, I am due to have a mastectomy with reconstruction next month and also asked if I could have a double. I was told they are not allowed to remove a healthy breast, even though they'll be reducing that side to match the other. I was hoping by removing both, I wouldn't have the worry of cancer returning at some point in the other breast. As you say some people have doubles for genetic reasons, as a preventative. I consider my preference for a double is also for preventative reasons, but am not allowed this choice. It seems rather unfair to me, as you have to live with anxiety moving forward. Sorry to hear that you are still in pain and I hope you get it sorted soon. Xx

Reply
  • Hi Sally 1234, I am due to have a mastectomy with reconstruction next month and also asked if I could have a double. I was told they are not allowed to remove a healthy breast, even though they'll be reducing that side to match the other. I was hoping by removing both, I wouldn't have the worry of cancer returning at some point in the other breast. As you say some people have doubles for genetic reasons, as a preventative. I consider my preference for a double is also for preventative reasons, but am not allowed this choice. It seems rather unfair to me, as you have to live with anxiety moving forward. Sorry to hear that you are still in pain and I hope you get it sorted soon. Xx

Children
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