I'm in a similar situation. I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer and started chemo this week.

I have multiple lumps in my right breast which have all been benign. I must have been the breast clinic 7 or 8 times in the past couple of years. I have actually been 3 times since last November- mammograms on 2 occasions. My cancer does not show on any of these mammograms. It only flagged up via the ultrasound- clear as day. Horrible mass with jagged edges. 
 

my plan is chemo then surgery - lumpectomy. I'm not happy with this as I have no confidence in the mammogram screening. Granted I am only 43 and they say that breast tissue is dense in younger women  hence why they don't have under 50s in the screening plan.

i would rather have everything removed. Sorry I know I don't answer any of your questions but I definitely share your concerns x

Thanks for the reply, it's nice to not be alone. I have spoken to the breast care nurse and she was asking the consultant if they would remove the other breast. I am hoping to have the answer tomorrow at my appointment. 

Good luck xxx

Hi [@Minty69]‍ 

Did you get your second mastectomy?

I asked for a second mastectomy as I didn't want reconstruction (not a fan of silicon implants tbh) and want to be the same both sides, but was told they won't do it for cosmetic reasons, only medical ‍♀️

Doesn't seem to make much sense to me as I would argue that reconstruction is cosmetic.

I've just had a single mastectomy, can't have a reconstruction until next year so have time to think about my options but I'm surprised they said no to that. As far as I was aware wanting symmetry is a valid request weather that be both flat or both reconstructed. 
I know people have had double mastectomy's when medically they only needed single so don't see the difference! Maybe talk to your breast nurse and then discuss it again with the consultant? xxx 
 

I no longer have any faith in mammograms either.  I am 54 and large breasted and I found a 26mm lump that my mammogram at the breast clinic did not pick up.  I was horrified.  I think mammograms need to be swapped out for ultrasounds in the screening process.

Hello FitnessInstructorHaha

I'm really sorry to hear that your request for symmetry surgery was denied by your health board. This is a problem that many women face. 

I'm unsure if you're aware of an organisation called Flat Friends but I'd suggest getting in touch with them if symmetry surgery is something you still want to pursue. I'm sure they will be able to help with some information, advice and support to help you move forwards with your request. 

I hope this helps. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi MrsWR,

I know that this is an old post, but I wonder how you got on when you spoke to your consultant? Most consultants are very reluctant to remove a healthy breast.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. The first time I had a lumpectomy. Six months later, I discovered a lump in my other breast. My consultant thought that this was cancer, but fortunately biopsy proved otherwise. A year after my first surgery, I found another lump in the original breast and was advised to have a mastectomy. Having discussed this with my consultant, we decided upon a double mastectomy, as my consultant still maintained that the lump in my other breast could be pre-cancerous. I guess that I was lucky!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hiya, you could have a diep flap reconstruction. That's what I had and the results are natural looking.

Ask your breast care nurse.