Hello Bassetmum and thanks for your post

I think that some surgeons will be reluctant to remove a healthy breast, unless there was a very high risk of developing another breast cancer. For example, women who carry the inherited faulty genes that significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. So unless you have a faulty gene or have a very strong family history of breast cancer a mastectomy would not be recommended purely on the grounds of your physical health.There are also benefits and disadvantages of having an immediate breast reconstruction which you can read this by clicking here.

The reason why the surgeon may be reluctant is because research suggests that for most women who have had cancer in one breast there is no survival advantage in having the other breast removed ( a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy) . So it could be argued that it is an unnecessary operation. But the best thing to do is to talk this through further with your breast team.

Again,do talk this through with your breast care team.

I hope this helps

Kind regards,

Celene

Thank you 

My surgeon gave me the option of lumpectomy and radiotherapy or mastectomy. 

Than you for your reply.  I'm so of the mindset that I'd like both removed regardless. Off for MRI and will see surgeon next week to ask about this. 

Thanks again. 

[@Jolamine]‍ on here did exactly what you are proposing but she had had a recurrance. Good luck with whatever you decide going forwards. 

[@Jolamine]‍ on here did exactly what you are proposing but she had had a recurrance. Good luck with whatever you decide going forwards. 

Hi there. These are tough decisions and you our medical team will be best people to help advise your decision. 

My mom died of secondary aggressive Cancer, my sister had stage one but opted to have both breasts removed as she felt like you. I had stage 2 and had lumpectomy with radiation and on tamoxifen. I did alot of reading and asked alot of questions but did not have mastectomy. 

Ultimately choice is yours - it's your body but each cancer is unique as we all are. Your medical team will consider all options and are normally best equipped with your case/information. 

I do hope it works out best for what you want. Keep us posted and hope your appt goes ok.

Thank you.

Hi,

I am sorry to hear about your predicament.

I had my first breast cancer diagnosis 8 years ago and had a lumpectomy. I had also found a larger lump in the other breast 6 months after my first surgery. This fortunately turned out to be benign. The following year I developed another lump in the original breast and was again diagnosed with the same type and grade of cancer.

When my surgeon suggested a mastectomy, I asked if it would be prudent to make it a double and he agreed. I have never regretted my decision, as I feel that I have done as much as I can to fight cancer now.

Do your best to discuss this with your care team before reaching a decision. My first surgeon would never have contemplated removing both breasts, but my second surgeon was much more experienced and was happy to do so.  It took a change in surgeons to get the treatment I needed and, the new hospital is considerably further away, but I have no regrets whatsoever.

Whatever you decide has to be right for you. Please stay in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you, I had surgery on 31/10.  The lump in my other breast turned out to be fibrosis adenoma. Relief there. I agreed that mastectomy therefore was not necessary. The surgery went well and I'm happy to report the cancer had not spread to lymph glands.   I'm awaiting radiotherapy now and need to decide whether or not to use the Tamoxifen prescribed along side this. 

Grateful for your response, it really can be a solitary place when you have no one else in the same/similar predicament. 

Thank you.

Hi Bassermum,

I am glad to hear that you are doing well after your lumpectomy and are now waiting to start radiotherapy. It is great news that your lymph nodes are not affected and that the lump in your other breast turned out to be fibrosis adenoma.

A cancer diagnosis can indeed be a lonely place, but we are always here for you. Do please keep in touch and let us know how the radiotherapy goes.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Brave lady. I hope you have beaten your cancer for good now.

Hi T,

Many thanks - I hope that I have beaten it for good too. Are you afflicted by this awful disease too?

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Yes, found my lump at the end of August. Am now 3 weeks post surgery and have had an all clear for the margins and nodes  :D 

Still tired and sore, but work, friends and family are very supportive. Just radiotherapy and hormone tablets to go and then pray that I stay clear.

Best wishes.

Hi T,

I'm gad to hear that you have your surgery behind you now and that your post-surgery pathology results were clear. Do you know what grade and type of breast cancer you have?

What hormone tablets are you taking? These can cause tiredness on their own. Having support from family, friends and work is all very helpful.

I sincerely hope and pray that the rest of your treatment helps you to stay clear.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

I had a 1.5cm invasive ductal carcinoma grade 2, which contained in situ high and intermediate grade cells.

I was lucky to find it, it was in a good place : top center.

My last mamogram, 18 months before, found nothing. Although my sugeon said it was not particularly fast growing. I think that was because I am perimenopausal and the tumour is (luckily) hormone sensitive.

As to tablets, I won't know until I see the Oncologist on the 26th.

Thanks for your prayers and good wishes. I will pray for you too.