Wanting a bilateral mastectomy. But surgeon is not convinced

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi there.  Has anyone faced this problem?   I’m stage 1 grade 3 mucinous triple positive.  With a lot of dcis.  My tumou 1.6 cm was NOT brought up on ultra sound or mammogram.   Only thru surgery to remove dcis was it found.    I’m now undergoing chemo.    We did not get margins on dcis so he is recommending a single mastectomy.   I’m pretty resolute on a double.   I’m going thru gene testing but regardless of result I want a double.    He wants me to have a second opinion.  He’s also suggested doing cancer side first then in a years time doing the other.  Which makes no sense to me as I want to get the surgery and recovery done and get on with my life.   I know the pros and cons and thought long and hard about this.  

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Dingley welcome to the forum and I am so sorry to hear about what is going on for you. I can understand why you are thinking the way that you are about having the Double Mastectomy. 

    Its a difficult one because I think lots of surgery has been cancelled recently and only essential surgery has restarted and maybe they are keen to get the 1st Mastectomy done because of the DCIS which they know is there but also not keen to remove a healthy breast that has no signs of issues at this time.   Please don't think that I am disagreeing with you but I'm just saying what has been happening recently during Covid and that may be why they are being reluctant.

    Hopefully one of the lovely folks on here may be able to be of more help with some words of wisdom and hope that you get the outcome that is best for you.

    Sending very best wishes for now. 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Thanks Gail.   That’s a really fair point and one I selfishly hadn’t considered.   

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi there, I'm a newbie here I was diagnosed in August and had a single mastectomy in September I like you wanted a double but my surgeon told me unless I had the genetic testing I have a family history which is how my cancer was found, I don't like how my body looks but my falsie helps.I like you am going through the genetic testing but it takes so long, sounds awful but I'm hoping that when the results finally come back that they are positive just so I can get the other one removed.

    Fingers crossed you get the answer you want.

    take care & stay safe