Hello Bassetmum and thanks for your post

I think that some surgeons will be reluctant to remove a healthy breast, unless there was a very high risk of developing another breast cancer. For example, women who carry the inherited faulty genes that significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. So unless you have a faulty gene or have a very strong family history of breast cancer a mastectomy would not be recommended purely on the grounds of your physical health.There are also benefits and disadvantages of having an immediate breast reconstruction which you can read this by clicking here.

The reason why the surgeon may be reluctant is because research suggests that for most women who have had cancer in one breast there is no survival advantage in having the other breast removed ( a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy) . So it could be argued that it is an unnecessary operation. But the best thing to do is to talk this through further with your breast team.

Again,do talk this through with your breast care team.

I hope this helps

Kind regards,

Celene

Thank you 

My surgeon gave me the option of lumpectomy and radiotherapy or mastectomy. 

Than you for your reply.  I'm so of the mindset that I'd like both removed regardless. Off for MRI and will see surgeon next week to ask about this. 

Thanks again. 

[@Jolamine]‍ on here did exactly what you are proposing but she had had a recurrance. Good luck with whatever you decide going forwards. 

Hi there. These are tough decisions and you our medical team will be best people to help advise your decision. 

My mom died of secondary aggressive Cancer, my sister had stage one but opted to have both breasts removed as she felt like you. I had stage 2 and had lumpectomy with radiation and on tamoxifen. I did alot of reading and asked alot of questions but did not have mastectomy. 

Ultimately choice is yours - it's your body but each cancer is unique as we all are. Your medical team will consider all options and are normally best equipped with your case/information. 

I do hope it works out best for what you want. Keep us posted and hope your appt goes ok.

Thank you.

Hi,

I am sorry to hear about your predicament.

I had my first breast cancer diagnosis 8 years ago and had a lumpectomy. I had also found a larger lump in the other breast 6 months after my first surgery. This fortunately turned out to be benign. The following year I developed another lump in the original breast and was again diagnosed with the same type and grade of cancer.

When my surgeon suggested a mastectomy, I asked if it would be prudent to make it a double and he agreed. I have never regretted my decision, as I feel that I have done as much as I can to fight cancer now.

Do your best to discuss this with your care team before reaching a decision. My first surgeon would never have contemplated removing both breasts, but my second surgeon was much more experienced and was happy to do so.  It took a change in surgeons to get the treatment I needed and, the new hospital is considerably further away, but I have no regrets whatsoever.

Whatever you decide has to be right for you. Please stay in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you, I had surgery on 31/10.  The lump in my other breast turned out to be fibrosis adenoma. Relief there. I agreed that mastectomy therefore was not necessary. The surgery went well and I'm happy to report the cancer had not spread to lymph glands.   I'm awaiting radiotherapy now and need to decide whether or not to use the Tamoxifen prescribed along side this. 

Grateful for your response, it really can be a solitary place when you have no one else in the same/similar predicament. 

Thank you.

Hi Bassermum,

I am glad to hear that you are doing well after your lumpectomy and are now waiting to start radiotherapy. It is great news that your lymph nodes are not affected and that the lump in your other breast turned out to be fibrosis adenoma.

A cancer diagnosis can indeed be a lonely place, but we are always here for you. Do please keep in touch and let us know how the radiotherapy goes.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx