Cancer Research UK main site

Risk reducing mastectomy

bree123
Offline

Hi everyone, im new so hopefully I've posted in the correct place! 

I was wondering if anyone has been through a double mastectomy and could give me some advice please? 

My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 29 and sadly passed away at 32 years, I was 9 at the time and seeing my mum go through everything was so awful. I do worry about my risk of developing breast cancer as im now 29 with 2 small children. My consultant has recommended a risk reducing mastectomy,as I would never want to put my family or children through having cancer im really considering this procedure.

If anyone could share any experiences I would be most grateful especially how the procedure went, recovery time, pain, feelings after surgery, whether it eased your mind after having the op any help/advise would be great

 

Thank you xxx 

 

  • Offline

    Hi there , I haven't had personal experience of this but have done quite alot of research for a young friend.

    One of the useful things you might discuss is whether they are willing to do a  Skin & NAC (nipple areola complex) sparing mastectomy op. Removing all of the actual breast tissue but then with implants/ or own fat  actually creating a very acceptable replacement pair complete "with the cherry on the top" I believe this is what the amazing Angelina Jolie did.

    This apparently dramatically reduces the inherited risk even if you have the BRCA gene . It is particularly suitable if you are showing no signs of cancer at the time and you are doing this as a preventative. The nipples will not be "conected to anything other than blood supply so no good for any future breast feeding and sensation would be compromised. BUT if you can't make up your mind to tackle such a big decision this could be the answer. good luck with your decisison - it's not an easy one.

     

    best luck sueps

  • Offline in reply to sueps

    Hi sueps thank you for the reply.

    It is a difficult and big decision, I would be thinking of having reconstruction at the same times using implants and having my nipples removed, as extra precaution and reconstructed later down the line,theres so much to think about, thanks for the info x 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.