Other breast removal

Hi Jemimapuddleduck01 

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with how you are feeling at the moment. 

I do think that at the moment as you are in the middle of it all you might not be in the right frame of mind to make such a momentous decision. I can remember when I was diagnosed nearly 6 years ago just how horrifying everything was and how I was 100% convinced that it would come back.  (I did the clear out of my home, took lots of items to charity shops as I didn't want family to be left with clearance of my house when I died and so on an so forth) but I was treated and was signed off in October 2022 with 3 year mammograms as normal for any other lady who has never had cancer.  

Now, I look back and think that I over reacted (I didn't, but you know what I mean - a cancer diagnosis is terrifying!).  The first annual mammogram I had I didn't want to book a holiday as I was sure that I'd be back having treatment, I was SO shocked when it was all clear.  Each year, I built a bit more confidence in my own body that it wasn't going  to 'let me down' and now, I don't often think about it coming back.  Initially it was on my mind every single day - and for the first few months - every hour of every day!  Perhaps give yourself the time to get through this treatment, get past your first annual and see how you feel before you make any massive decisions like removing your healthy breast - unless you felt that you want it for appearances (in which case maybe they could reconstruct the one they removed?)

I do hope the psychologist can help put your mind at ease a little, but don't be hard on yourself for feeling this way - because I can assure you it is perfectly normal.

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Hello, I understand exactly where your coming from, I had a lumpectomy 25yrs ago, making my breast half the size of the other, then in November last year i had a full mastectomy as I had a recurrent cancer, asked then if they would take both then. Didn't get a direct answers. Now under going scans due to lumps in that arm pit.

I'm not large breasted which has made it hard to find right size bras.

Wishing you all the best for the future.

If you still have a breast they will carry on follow ups if you have no breasts follow ups are harder as you have nothing to monitor. Because they can’t scan your whole body regularly due to the risks of exposure to radiation this isn’t possible 

research shows having a bilateral mastectomy doesn’t lower your chances of reaccurrance or it spreading. 
so if you tell that is your reason for wanting it off you may struggle to get their full support. 
how do I know this? I wanted both mine off after my diagnosis of tnbc but I wanted bilateral due to medical reasons I have curvature of spine and lower back pain. 
so before going to the psychiatrist look at valid qualitative research and make logical decisions from those demonstrate you have critically analysed why you have come to the decision to have them both off.
 

‘That which we fear shall surely come upon us!’ Try your very best to process that C, should it return, may NOT be in the same place so removing the other breast is not the answer. You are under the best care with NHS and can always refer to Macmillan Navigators should you have any questions/queries/worries. do try to move forward and remember that so many people come through C after treatment and live long, happy and healthy lives. You are not alone.  Please don’t waste time thinking the worse and letting the best of your life escape you. Loads of love and support to you xxxxx

Hi there, 

I also had a mastectomy and requested a doubled before the surgery. I again wasn’t told no but told it was too soon to think about it and they didn’t want to delay treatment. We are now 2 months post op and I have the same feeling as you. Fears that the cancer is going to come in the other breast and I just look a bit odd. I am large busted so getting dressed is a pain, I also just look and feel like a bit of a pillock. I did say that exactly to my surgeon and he did laugh and agree that I was making a fair point. I am planning on having it done 4-6 month post treatment to allow my body to completely heal. To my understanding my surgeons concerns are that I am too young to make the decision with regards to breast feeding as I am 22 and not even thinking about children, but as I have mentioned it every time I’ve seen him for the last few weeks I think he knows that I’m not going to change my mind !

Hi I did have a double mastectomy due to the same reasons but unfortunately I still worry and panic about the cancer coming back. And I panic more because I have no check ups no scans nothing and forever in pain so always think it’s back but no one listens to me or sees me now just a gp who says “why have you had a mastectomy” I’ve left messages for my oncologist and breast care team with no response. You are kinda left and it’s horrible I wish I didn’t opt for double mastectomy also I have to lose 3 stone before I’m allowed reconstructive surgery. I am almost there nearly 3 years after and I’m 35 

Oh I’m so sorry to hear that! Unfortunately reconstruction isn’t really an option for me so a double is my best option in the long term! Please keep pushing for checks, but everything you feel is completely normal and you’re definitely not alone xx