I'm 54 years old and was diagnosed with stage 3 TNBC in my right breast over a year ago, which had spread to my lymph nodes. I've had a right sided masectomy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy now. I am now cancer free. I have he option to have my left breast removed too and then have implants in both. I can't have DIEP. I'm so torn as if I leave my left breast as it is, I can still examine it properly, but I want to reduce my risk as low as possible. Does removing the unaffected breast massively reduce the risk of it returning? How do you examine your breasts when they have been removed and reconstructed? I don't see my surgeon or consultants very much now as I'm almost at the end of my treatment journey. Thank you.
Hi Andypandy78
I am pleased to hear that you are now cancer free after all that treatment. What a journey you have had.
I think the fear of recurrence and what can be done to help prevent it is something common amongst us- whichever cancer we have had. My own cancer was womb cancer and I had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. It is understandable that you want to reduce the risks of further cancer as much as possible.
As you have some more medical type question it may be an idea to give the Support Line a call and speak to one of the nurses. The Support Line is there from 8am-8pm daily.
You could also ask the medical questions in our Ask the Expert section. The nurses would normally get back to you in around 3 working days.
(+) Ask a Nurse | Get answers about cancer | Macmillan Online Community
Although you currently do not see your surgeon or consultant very much now, there would be no harm in contacting your cancer nurse specialist and asking for an appointment to go through your questions. Its important that you have accurate information in order to make the decision that is right for you.
I wish you well what ever you decide to do and hope that you can get some clarification and advice soon.
Jane
