Declining Chemotherapy

I believe its private pay, but ask.I trust theyll haveca good payment plan.

Hi,
Can I ask why you decided to do a double mastectomy when it was only in one breast? I have triple negative in my left breast; however, the doctor said that I could do a double but it was not necessary. I am considering doing a double and trying to find the best preventative treatment.
Thank you!

I actually wish I had gotten a double, if only for aesthetical reasons.

@kedisaa - I was dx TNBC and BRCA2+ and in my research TNBC has a high recurrence in the other breast. I chose to eliminate that chance by removing both breasts and going flat. I'm perfectly happy with "flat" with the exception that my definition and the surgeon's definition were different - I should have taken a picture and said this is what I'm looking for - can it be done. I have indents in my chest and some excess skin on the sides. When I was fitted for my prothesis, I was asked when I planned to have reconstruction. Apparently some of the excess skin is left if you plan to have reconstruction - which I did not plan.

I did a double mastectomy (1) because I had dense breast tissue, (2) because I did not want the concern of cancer developing in the other breast, and (3) for aesthetic reasons, as I did breast reconstruction.
I will say, you MUST be ready for reconstruction. It is a rigorous process. However, the double mastectomy was the best for me personally.

For the reconstruction, a good surgeon inserts breast expanders, not at another time but the same day the mastectomy is completed. For the best aesthetic this was highly recommended. I had opted for flat but after told what the end result of reconstruction would be, I opted in but it is not for the weak.
My friend went flat a year before my diagnosis but they butchered her and she too has the loose skin and lumps. My oncologist said to request the surgeon's work of pictures with women who went flat and women who had reconstruction beforehand. You have the right. If the surgeon does not allow this...I would think twice and look for a surgeon who could validate his/her work.

Thank you for you response!!. My doctor told me it was up to me whether to do the double mastectomy. She told me that they could just really monitor me. The decision is hard. I don't want it to come back, but I also don't want to do the other breast if I don't have to.

Thank you! Do you know what the TNBC recurrence rate in the other breast is? Do you have any links that you could send me? I would greatly appreciate it.

Understood. I had some reservations like this initially. However, mentally and emotionally, I could not look at one healthy breast with the thought of "what if it comes in the other breast then I am back under the knife again". I think it would have been very overwhelming. In doing the double mastectomy, that too assisted with that.
You are correct, you can be monitored and it is your decision. You must do what is best for you. In my journey, I find that this impacts each person differently. A lot of support groups, when they get to discussing chemo/radiation and medication...I cannot relate and look to find those most closely relating to my own journey. It's tough but you will get through this!

I had stage 3 and had a lumpectomy. Oncologist recommended 4 chemos. I was nearing my third chemo when I collapsed in supermarket and spent 5 days in hospital. I’ve never been so sick!! I decided, when in hospital, to have no more chemo and I got my 3 year clear mammogram last May. It’s a purely personal decision. Best of Irish ☘️ luck x