Single or Double mastectomy ?

I think risk depends on your cancer now, your family history and genetics. I was told my risk of cancer in the other breast was 17 percent, but I have a family history and a large grade 3 cancer. I wanted a double mastectomy so that I didn't have to do the cancer, chemo thing again, but it is a big decision and I think I wouldn't wish to do it without a reconstruction immediately or later. Thinking of you as you make the best decision for you

Did you have the double mastectomy and reconstruction?  If so, how did it go?  How does it look?  

Thank you for replying to my post everything helps .

I had single mastectomy. Really wanted double and looks like that might happen next year. I’ve already had chemo and radiotherapy. Was just such a relief to get rid of the cancer surgically. 

An incredibly hard decision. I had DCIS in 2013 (lumpectomy and radiotherapy) and then invasive breast cancer diagnosed in the same breast in 2021. I asked about a double mastectomy as I was concerned given it was my second occurrence under the age of 50. My genetic testing came back saying that I did not have any genetic issues and that I had just had bad luck apparently. At that point the breast surgeon said that there was no clinical need for me to have a double mastectomy. She said our breasts are independent body parts if you like and having cancer in one breast does not increase your risk of cancer in the other breast and that I have no higher chance of getting cancer in the other breast than any other woman with no history of cancer. As such she would recommend a single mastectomy. So I can share that but your history sounds more complicated than mine. My sister had radiotherapy to the chest (for Hodgkin’s disease) and she has been told she has a higher risk of breast cancer in both breasts and has annual mammograms. I would actually try and pin your surgeon down to help you make a decision. I’ve found saying ‘no look seriously, this is your specialism, with all your experience, what would you do if you were me?’ Seems to get them to be more forthcoming with a point of view. All the best to you x

Hi Teije, so sorry for your dilemma; but your post really struck a chord with me! When I had a left sided mastectomy I wondered why I didn’t just have them both taken away because I looked “odd” with just one breast so I figured I wouldn’t look any odder with none! Not that I was told had a major risk of developing cancer in my remaining breast, that was never an issue, but if it had been I’d have had no hesitation in having them both off. Although, now a year on (almost to the day on 16th December), I’ve got used to how I look and it’s just “me” now, with one boob! Whatever decision you make, you’ll come to terms with it. If you have a double mastectomy you can “level” the girls up better with matching prosthetic bra inserts or you can have a reconstruction on both at the same time, perhaps with better results. Some people chose to go flat! Either way it’s a bit of a Sophie’s choice, but peace of mind is the best outcome so you can live your best life without the worry of reoccurrence, if indeed there really is a high chance of that. Perhaps your oncologist can help answer that. Either way, best of luck and hugs to you xxxx

Hi 

I am through private health care. I had dcis confirmed in one breast and needed a mastectomy for it. Being 37 they decided they were going to reduce and uplift the other side or perform a mastectomy even though the were was no disease. I picked to have the double mastectomy. The reasoning being that I am at slighter higher risk of recurrence due to family history. Even though it’s a major surgery I’m glad it’s done. I don’t think I’d ever stop worrying if I didn’t do everything I could to be sure the cancer cannot come back. But I do struggle with body image etc. it only happened in September and I had only had a baby so a lot to take in. Hopefully all will improve over time! 

Thank you MamaH for sharing it helps to know that there are others who have undergone what I am facing.  I think I am leaning towards  the double mastectomy.  I know I am at higher risk and I think its come down to me asking myself if it were to happen again how would I feel about having to go through the whole treatment cycles again? I think I've concluded I don't want to do it a third time if there is anything I can do to avoid it.   

September wasn't so long ago and so its early days since your surgery.  It is completely understandable that you are still recovering physically and mentally.  I am anticipating that it is going to take a few months for me to wrap my head around all my body will have gone through after my surgery.  So big hug to you and hang in there!  The hardest part is now over.   Congratulations on the new arrival to the family.  

Thank you Mazz I appreciate your reply.  I think I agree with you.  I am leaning towards  the double mastectomy.  I know I am at higher risk and I think its come down to me asking myself if it were to happen again how would I feel about having to go through the whole treatment cycles all over again? I think I've concluded I don't want to do it a third time if there is anything I can do to avoid it.   

I have lots of questions for my doctor.  It is certainly a Sophie's choice although until I read your reply I had viewed it more like that old clint eastwood movie where he's pointing the gun and asking me "do you feel lucky?"

Thank you Anna12345 for responding and sharing your experience.  Annual mammograms / MRI's are what they are recommending for me if I choose to only have the affected breast removed and keep the other.   I will have another conversation with my doctor.