I want a double mastectomy instead of mastectomy only on the affected breast, how can I convince the doctors?

Hey! I have different diagnos, but have asked for same

The answer is - no any abnormality in right breast, but left one has cancer. Despite the fact I have fibroadenoma in my right breast, which can turn to cancer...

Because I also would like to remove both and get implants instead of left side mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction with further risk in right breast as well

Hi,

sorry to hear you have breast cancer. 

I have BC in my right boob, but two masses (grade 3 triple negative and grade 2 ER positive HER negative), diagnosed in July and it was my first though I wanted double mastectomy, as I was very adamant, instead of surgery they done chemo first, I have 4 weeks left and then surgery in March.

As NHS doesn’t do anything unnecessary, I was offered genetic test, which came negative and then lady done risk of cancer coming back according to her calculation at 20%, which is quite high so I should be be granted double mastectomy, but you can also be referred to counselling  I think but you have to fight for what you want, I am 37 and having one boob fake and the other mine, my brain wouldn’t take it, which I explained to them. 

Good luck 

Fight for what’s best for you

Lucy

Hi , I had an elected bilateral mastectomy September 2021.

My lovely surgeon agreed to do this when I requested but my situation a little different as they also had to remove my ruptured silicone implants at the same time . Cancer in left breast but also removed right as I have always suffered with cysts in my breasts and told her I would be forever paranoid and returning to the breast clinic thinking there was cancer in the other breast.As they we’re already operating to remove the implant she agreed to also remove the right breast. I know they don’t usually remove a healthy breast but I do think it also depends on individual surgeons.

good luck .  

Hi 

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis .

There is another thread running about should I have a double mastectomy which I have just posted on.I asked the same and they wouldn't do it but you have to keep fighting and say its for backache rather than risk of recurrence.

Have a look at the other thread.

xxx 

I didn't knew I could ask them to calculate and tell me chances of my cancer coming back. Will definitely ask the oncologist on the next appointment!

I also think is for my mental health this, as I will be in constant fear of having to go through cancer again on the left breast. I already feel it stinging during chemo even though I don't "officially" have anything there. Oncologist said for the moment "ignore" the stinging

Hoping I can convince them to remove everything possible.

Hi lapa, same as. Cancer in my right breast and a fibroadenoma in left breast, and I had to have tests again for left as well as the right. So if they were worried about cancer in the left breast why not remove it. I asked for them to remove both but wouldn't. Said they will not take a " a good breast" but it leaves you with that worry. Thought I had cancer two years ago but was the fibroadenoma. So good, only had a check year after by mammogram , left and right. Then last year cancer in right. Just had a masectomy, so why leave the one with problem? To go through it all again. 

I don't think they will, I asked different people and definite NO. I know how you feel.

Good luck.  X

I also asked this because I'm elderly (70s)don't need them any more and have large breasts. I already walk with a limp from a hip op 7 years ago thought I'd be more lopsided but the answer was no, we don't remove healthy tissue! Keep fighting for what you think is best, maybe they will realise it's a better option for some of us. All the best.