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Deciding if I should do bilateral or double mastectomy??

Posted by cmshyf @cmshyf, Jun 25, 2023

I was just diagnosed w/DCIS & IDC in my right breast. Unfortunately the masses are so large that lumpectomy is out of the question. I was given an option to do a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction or a complete mastectomy on both with reconstruction. How did you come to a decision on which to do? Was it because of symmetry, test results or personal preference? I’m so torn right now as most of my friends say do both. I do know it comes down to me but here I am…

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zeerj | @zeerj | Nov 3, 2023

I chose both with no hesitation. Even though two surgeons said the chance of getting cancer on the other side is very slim, I didn’t even want to have that chance. Going thru it once is enough and not worth regretting the decision down the road.

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drummergirl | @drummergirl | Nov 4, 2023

We do not know all your considerations, but I had early stage triple negative with the ATM gene. I was 72 at the time. I was offered lumpectomy, but did not want radiation. I chose mastectomy of both breasts with no reconstruction. One of the things that was not mentioned by any of my Doctors was the fact that they do not know if you have any degree of lympho vascular invasion until pathology after surgery. I had a small amount and my doctor said it was good that all that tissue had been removed. I have no regrets about not reconstructing. I healed faster and got on with my life. I also have the sense that I could feel any reoccurrence more easily. We all have to work out the best decision for ourselves. Wishing you all the best.

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ebtexas55 | @ebtexas55 | Nov 4, 2023
In reply to @drummergirl "We do not know all your considerations, but I had early stage triple negative with the..." + (show)
@drummergirl

We do not know all your considerations, but I had early stage triple negative with the ATM gene. I was 72 at the time. I was offered lumpectomy, but did not want radiation. I chose mastectomy of both breasts with no reconstruction. One of the things that was not mentioned by any of my Doctors was the fact that they do not know if you have any degree of lympho vascular invasion until pathology after surgery. I had a small amount and my doctor said it was good that all that tissue had been removed. I have no regrets about not reconstructing. I healed faster and got on with my life. I also have the sense that I could feel any reoccurrence more easily. We all have to work out the best decision for ourselves. Wishing you all the best.

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No reconstruction for me either. Its great to be free!

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