I am a big planner and this has pushed me even further. Newley diagnosed and looking at options and information. Right now a worry is if I have a double Mastectomy how long will I need to be in hospital? Also if you are having treatment at a center a distance away is there home treatment available as aftercare?
Many thanks in advance
Hi Anita16696,
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear of your breast cancer diagnosis and that you are currently considering a double mastectomy. This must be an extremely worrying time for you.
There are different types of surgery for primary breast cancer and, it is a good idea to speak directly with your surgeon on what might be the best option for you.
The two main types of breast surgery are Breast Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy.
When both breasts are removed at the same time, this is sometimes referred to as Risk-reducing breast surgery.
The surgery recommended for you will depend on the type and size of the cancer, where it is and whether more than one area of the breast is affected. It will also depend on the size of your breast.
You may also find it helpful to talk through your options with your breast care nurse.
A further consideration is breast reconstruction. This can be done at the same time as a mastectomy or later.
We also have a Guide to Breast Reconstruction Options which you may find useful going forward.
Some people choose to remain flat chested after surgery. More information for people who have similar treatment decisions and want to make informed treatment decisions can be found on Flat Friends.
Your recovery after surgery will depend on the type of operation you have.
However, if you choose to have breast reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy, you will stay in hospital up to five days. Again, this will depend on the type of reconstruction you have.
Regards home treatment and aftercare, your hospital team can arrange with your Practice Nurse, District Nurse or GP surgery to monitor and tend to your surgical wounds.
However, you will need time to recover and, it will take time to adjust but, your breast care nurse will be more than happy to give further advice and support going forward.
Further information and support can be found on Breast Cancer Now or CRUK.
If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
David, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/**
DT/GG
Copy of your original e-mail to Macmillan Cancer Support
I am a big planner and this has pushed me even further. Newley diagnosed and looking at options and information. Right now a worry is if I have a double Mastectomy how long will I need to be in hospital? Also if you are having treatment at a center a distance away is there home treatment available as aftercare?
Many thanks in advance
