Mastectomies are not an option for those over 65???!!!

Posted by sandyjr @sandyjr, Jan 22, 2021

A friend of mine has had breast cancer twice...DCIS and IDC....both breasts....as I have. She told me that she had suggested mastectomy to her surgeon the second time and that doctor, her oncologist and her gynecologist told her that it is not done for ladies over 65. They do not do it. She is a young 75 and certainly could handle such surgery. I am 70 and last year I had a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction. The first surgeon I went to had no problem doing the surgery, but said that I was too old for diep reconstruction, I would have to get implants. I did not like that surgeon and would never have used her....she was rude and crude saying “another nipple in the bucket” over and over when discussing mastectomy. I was disgusted and angry. I did not know where to turn, so made an appointment with a plastic surgeon that had given a lecture on breast cancer reconstruction. Luckily I had attended the lecture and decided to make an appointment with him. He had shown pictures of women that had had surgery and reconstruction into their 80s. That was the best thing I ever did. After meeting me and hearing my story...two breast cancers and genetic mutation and horror appointment with the crude surgeon, he told me that I could not have nipple sparing surgery because of the radiation I had had, but that I could have the diep flap and he recommended a different surgeon. He has been the best thing that has happened to me since my breast cancer experience began. He is kind, totally explains everything, listens to everything you have to say and tells you what to expect. From the get go, he told me he could not make me look perfect, but he also said he does not take cases unless he knows he will be successful. This man truly has given me hope and my wish is that everyone be lucky enough to find a doctor like him. I am nearly through the process as it takes a while to complete and I am delighted with my new breasts. So, can someone tell me if/why mastectomies are not done for older ladies. That certainly was not the case for me. My suggestion is...do your research, decide what you want and do not go by what the first doctor tells you. I got 50% of what I wanted....no on the nipple sparing mastectomy (but I did have skin sparing), but yes on using my own tissue for reconstruction...no implants. I thought the surgery was remarkably easy...very little pain...getting back up to speed took about 3 weeks (its a 10 hour surgery and you have to be very careful how you move so as not to disrupt the microsurgery done to move the tissue from the belly to the chest). He has given me hope.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

orchardgirl54 | @orchardgirl54 | Nov 30, 2022

In reply to @basslakebabe19 "I am 80 and had that done decades ago and survived just fine." + (show)

Thank you…I needed that !

catlady7 | @catlady7 | Nov 30, 2022

In reply to @orchardgirl54 "I’m having a double mastectomy with no reconstruction on 12/8. Im in pretty good shape but..." + (show)

@orchardgirl, I had a left mastectomy in late 2020 at age 65, and I healed quite well. 😊

Unfortunately, due to the two surgeries on the same breast for a lumpectomy in 2004, there wasn’t enough skin left for reconstruction.

I had TRAM flap reconstruction on my right breast in 1996 after a mastectomy, and I didn’t feel like having it again (I couldn’t anyhow) so I’ve opted for a silicone prosthetic.

Now for the elephant in this conversation: My husband died over three years ago. At the time of my left mastectomy, I couldn’t imagine having another relationship, since my husband truly was the love of my life. Now, however, there are times I wish I still had that left breast, or some semblance of it.

Alas, it’s not to be. There are times I wish that I at least had the option of reconstruction , but I don’t.

orchardgirl54 | @orchardgirl54 | Nov 30, 2022

In reply to @ssalget "I was 68 when I had a double mastectomy in October 2020. My surgeon was great...." + (show)

Thank you!!!! Thank you !
You ladies are very helpful. ❤️

orchardgirl54 | @orchardgirl54 | Nov 30, 2022

In reply to @catlady7 "@orchardgirl, I had a left mastectomy in late 2020 at age 65, and I healed quite..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry you went through so much at the same time. Ugh.
It’s good to hear different opinions…. And I so much appreciate it.
Be well.

anjalima | @anjalima | Dec 1, 2022

In reply to @orchardgirl54 "I’m having a double mastectomy with no reconstruction on 12/8. Im in pretty good shape but..." + (show)

I’m 72 and had unilateral mastectomy with reconstruction 9 months ago ( same day surgery). The healing went extremely well; used one narcotic med the night of surgery then onto acetaminophen then ibuprofen when needed… did not need any a few days post surgery. Advice: The drains can be challenging to deal with but don’t hurt. I purchased a drain belt ( used in shower and and a mastectomy pillow for car and sleeping) on Amazon and these really helped for positioning. There are YouTube videos on emptying drains which can help. Eat well, walk and rest. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when available. For a while, Any literal bump in the road when in a vehicle will hurt… make sure you cushion your chest.

Best 🌸

maggieb892 | @maggieb892 | Dec 1, 2022

In reply to @orchardgirl54 "Thank you for your kind reply. I’m planning on doing exactly that… eating good and getting..." + (show)

I hear you! I’m in Colorado (south of Denver). Yes winter can be very challenging. Walking around a 1000 square foot apartment can make a person dizzy! Mary your weather be warm and sunny.

bcwarrior | @bcwarrior | Dec 1, 2022

Wow, I'm so happy to read these stories as my recurrence experience in 2022 which is 14 years later has been a nightmare of continual issues. I consider myself a conquerer now! I woke up today so it's a good day. Be well and Blessed, Lynn

lnlowe70 | @lnlowe70 | Dec 1, 2022

In reply to @orchardgirl54 "Hi. Thank you for sharing. I’m 68 and surgery is scheduled for next week. Did you..." + (show)

I did not choose reconstruction, and despite the fsct that there sre some gradual adaptations to my wardrobe, I have not had any second thoughts about that choice. There are some excellent discussion threads going on right now, actually, about this topic--either on this forum (search for the topic of reconstruction) or on a private FB group called Flatties Unite (which I have been reading lots of lately). Sorry, I can't remember which has been the more valuable to me lately, though both have been high in my reading focus recently. There are LOTS of us who are choosing to forgo what sounds to me like a gamble with ongoing surgeries and alien substances inside our bodies for what--appearance? I guess I've never had that much of my sense of self based on being shapely! I want to focus on getting PAST this whole thing and on with my life!! Keep me in the loop on how you are doing! Once past the drain situation, things will get better. You are in my thoughts!

orchardgirl54 | @orchardgirl54 | Dec 1, 2022

In reply to @lnlowe70 "I did not choose reconstruction, and despite the fsct that there sre some gradual adaptations to..." + (show)

Thank you so much for the post! Can I ask how long ago you had your surgery?
I pretty much feel the same way as you. I just want to move on….these posts are invaluable and I’m hoping someday I can help someone out as much as you have helped me today,
I’m not very good at technology but I will try to get on to Flatties Unite.
Also, I will keep you in the loop. Thank you…thank you.
Be well. 🙂