Double masectomy

Hello KarenPP,  oh I understand how you feel about finding out you have cancer in both breasts.  I also thought it was quite rare but I have heard of it happening more often.  I had started out with a diagnosis of DCIS in right breast but after MRI a suspicious lump was found and I had stage 1 grade 2 in left breast.  It was hard to hear.  I am over 3 years post surgery and bilateral radiation.  Had lumpectomy in both breasts and on hormone blockers now .  My cancers were both 100% ER and PR positive.   
I was 71 when diagnosed so that is why I had lumpectomy and radiation.  You are younger and may not want radiation.  So many things to consider and I am hoping that you find peace in your decision.  It is not easy and you may have days where you feel so confident about your decision and then the next day you aren’t sure.  I too went through all of that and finally after some time I was able to feel right about my decision.  My surgeon was wonderful too.  Hugs to you.  

Hello there. I have bilateral breast cancer grade 1 hr positive like you but I had dcis+tumours on the left and dcis+1 tumour on the right. I had a double mastectomy about nine weeks ago and after some initial hiccups healed well. Being flat chested has been extremely liberating especially since I had come to see my boobs as the enemy! I'm 50 and have had my prostheses on only once, I don't feel the need to wear them.

Today I start radiotherapy as unfortunately my lymph nodes came back 1/3 positive and they couldn't get margins on the left dcis. I'm staying positive, bit apprehensive but I've got this  and do you!

I'm also on ovarian suppression and tamoxifen no side effects so far but I've only been on them 2 weeks.

Hope that helps a wee bit x

Thank you Barbara for your message and the details. It sounds like our cancers are similar. I am pretty set on the double mastectomy as I am not sure I would settle if the breasts were still there and I would have ongoing risk. I am well supported by my husband but it is still a huge part of your femininity that will be gone so I have to be prepared for down days. M the important thing is that I survive and thrive and I am determined to be positive and actually feel lucky that prognosis is good and found early 

The waiting is the worst…trying to stop your kind from going to dark places

wishing you all the very best and thank you for your kindness 

It does help! Thank you for sharing and I am so glad that your experience on the whole has been positive. 
we do have this…I am sure that positive thinking is key and wish you all the very best! 
please keep in touch 

Hi there,  I had dcis right breast and lumpectomy done.  One of the margins was just less than 1mm so I had my whole breast radiation 16 treatments and then a boost of 5 extra treatments to the tumor bed.  There is excellent research in this approach.  Take care and good health to you.

I was shocked when I went and got tested for a lump I found in my right breast to then be told I had one in my left breast as well. It is quite rare, around 5% I was told. 

I had a double mastectomy although my left breast only had a small tumour, which could have been a lumpectomy, but being 44G, it was not feasible to leave me so lopsided. As it was a big operation, and being overweight, it was not possible to have reconstruction at the same time so this is something I need to think about. I do have prosthetics at around a D cup and I walk a lot better now and without the back pain I used to get. So I have adjusted quite well I think.  I just wish I found the bras and prosthetics a bit more comfortable. They are okay but I feel I want to adjust all the time. For that reason I may go ahead with reconstruction. Also, I do miss my cleavage if not the weight and discomfort of my breasts which incidentally weighed a whole stone.

My surgeon said to me that none of her patients with such large breasts regretted their mastectomies. She only saw the burden of them. However, I had my surgery six months ago and not quite sure how it will affect my sex life when hubby and I resume relations when I'm better. I'm thinking lingerie. There is certainly a big choice out there.

I don't think you are in denial. Being flat is certainly freeing but of course the most important thing is that the cancer is removed.

D xx