Single Mastectomy vs double Mastectomy
I am 37 years old and have been diagnosed with DCIS high grade in my right breast.
I decided to do Mastectomy but not sure what to do with left breast as I want to keep it.
I have a family history of breast cancer.
any suggestions?
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Is your family history confirmed by genetic testing? With the currently known genetic mutations (far more than BRCA genes), only a minority test positive, about 15%. I think knowing your genetic risks would be helpful in the decision making process. Take care
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thank you for your suggestion exbrnxgrl.
I am waiting to hear my gene test results.I am new to this community and not following what does it meant by - Stage IV Bone met upper femur
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Stage IV means metastatic breast cancer. This is bc that has spread beyond the breast, typically to liver, bone, brain or lungs. Stage IV is not curable. Met is short for metastasis, so a bone met to the upper femur simply means there is bc growing on the femur (large thigh bone). Those of us who are stage IV often list the areas of mets in the diagnosis line.
There was a page that explained commonly used abbreviations in the bc world but since the site upgrade 🙄, I am not sure where it is or if it still exists. You can try to search for it or just ask if an unfamiliar abbreviation comes up.
I hope you get your genetic testing results soon as that can play an important role in decision making. Take care
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If your doctor recommended mastectomy, I would definitely go with a bilateral. My reasoning is from experience after three diagnoses of breast cancer.
I was denied a bilateral mastectomy in 2019 because my doctor lied to me and refused to remove my "healthy breast!" Low and behold, less than 4 years later, I was diagnosed in the opposite breast! I had a second mastectomy but had to have an implant which I hate.
I would also highly recommend DIEP reconstruction! If you have DIEP for a single mastectomy, know that if you are diagnosed in the other breast in the years to come, you can't have the same reconstruction. DIEP is once and done! You can have it done for both breasts but it has to be done at the same time in one very long surgery!
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@al0225 and @exbrnxgrl, here is the Guide to common abbreviations, where you can find definitions for all the medical terms and abbreviations. 😊
The Mods
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@al0225 Choosing between a single and double (bilateral) mastectomy can be challenging, and the right decision is different for each woman. Medical concerns to weigh include your risk of developing a second breast cancer, as well as the surgical risk of the procedure. You'll know more, as you've mentioned, after you receive your genetic testing.
Personal concerns may include anxiety about lifelong monitoring for another cancer on one side or reduced sensation on the other. There are also financial, emotional, social, and practical issues to consider.
Ultimately, the choice is a personal decision that should be made after carefully considering the best information you currently have.
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If you decide to go flat, be sure you discuss Aesthetic Flat Closure with your doctor. It's a specific style of reconstruction that leaves a smooth chest wall where the breast was with a minimum of excess skin or lumps. I don't wear a foob, but I have heard that they are much more comfortable over a flat chest than over dogears and folds.
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