Feelings about single mastectomy

I am now 60. Removing them both is the best thing I ever did and having a double reconstruction was a bonus! The chances of local recurrence drop from 17-20 per cent to 5 per cent. So I don’t have to worry about that as much and can skip mammograms and have MRIs for surveillance under the implants. With a double mastectomy the breasts are symmetrical (plastic surgeons find this very appealing). Having the reconstruction was a quality of life issue for me. And I feel and look great. I would consider the state of my health in the decision not age — only if are healthy enough to do it. Don’t skip it because of your age.I am so glad I did it - not seeing the lop-sided caved in chest of the single mastectomy daily has taken away a lot of the trauma. Good luck with your decision!

I was 67 and had my left breast removed. No reconstruction. I did not want the added surgeries. My oncologist told me what was involved and I decided that wasn't for me.
I am happy with my decision. When I go out I have a good prosthesis and bra so it works.
I didn't have the option of removing the other breast. In fact just trying to have first masectomy was crazy.they had injected my breast to find any active lymph nodes but two emergencies trumped surgery. We had 6 surgery bays but only 2 could be staffed. So I had to wait 2 weeks then the shots again and then surgery was done. I was never so glad to be done with surgery, it went very well, I healed quickly and got the drain out in 7 days.
I had physio for awhile and that helped as well.
Continued good health to all.

I had a single mastectomy this time around. 33 years ago at my first occurrence, I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I recovered fairly quickly from the single and had the drains removed after 10 days. I chose no reconstruction, mostly because I'm 76. I was fitted professionally for a prosthesis and am very satisfied with the way my clothes fit. Hugs to everyone!

Hello,

I had a single mastectomy at the end of July with expanders. I had a follow up surgery to remove the expanders as my body did not like them. My plan, as of now, is to not do reconstruction. I am looking for any advice on prosthetics. I have found a certified fitter and requested prescriptions for both the prosthetic and mastectomy bras. Thank you!

I chose a mastectomy with no reconstruction and went the route of being fitted professionally for a prosthetic. My experience was so comfortable and reassuring. The technician measured carefully and the end result has been very satisfactory. I also chose two bras which were also professionally fit. This was covered by my Kaiser insurance.

I had a single masectomy and chose professional prosthesis and bra. They are see both comfortable. My surgery left a more indented area as he took the most tissue he could. Because of this she showed me how to wear the pros4hesis to fill that area.
Now under clothing everything..looks normal .

I had a single mastectomy 12 months ago and was fitted with a bra and prosthesis that work perfectly. The only problem I have is that my chest wall feels tight. My surgeon said it is from the 30 rounds of radiation. It is a burden. I'll start massage therapy in a couple of weeks and see if that helps. Anyone have any ideas? Thank you so much Pink Ladies. Annie

@worried1111 I’m glad to hear your results. I feel the same way about quality of life and at 67 I feel very young and fit. I am set for a double mastectomy in a week. Doc says my skin is too thin for nipple-sparring. What do you and others think about reconstruction without nipples?

Hope you are doing well. I am heading down that path next week. How’s the nipple tatoo?

@jjjw I am very pleased with my double reconstruction. The plastic surgeon used some skin to create a very light slight projection of nipples which was then tattooed. I never thought that being returned back to “normal “ (after a single mastectomy) would have been such a great psychological boost! It was really underplayed by the medical profession. I guess they want to save money…