Topic information for: Double Mastectomy
Real Stories from people
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Penny06:40
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I'm 29 recently diagnosed with IDC and the surgery option has been left up to me now and I'm struggling with the decision to have a lumpectomy or a preventative double mastectomy with full reconstruction. Suggestions?
Asked by anonymous
Stage 3A Patient- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
Hi Jessica, I'm sorry to hear about your DCIS diagnosis. I have stage 3 IDC and can relate to what you're feeling. Have you had the BRACA testing performed? It tests to see if you carry the breast cancer gene. That would definitely help with your decision. There are many things such as if any...
6 comments 2Hi Jessica, I'm sorry to hear about your DCIS diagnosis. I have stage 3 IDC and can relate to what you're feeling. Have you had the BRACA testing performed? It tests to see if you carry the breast cancer gene. That would definitely help with your decision. There are many things such as if any other members of your immediate family has had cancer, etc. I have a later stage of cancer so I have decided to have a double mastectomy. But it's such a personal decision to make. There is a wonderful site called breastcancer.org. You have to be very careful about doing research online. There is a lot of misinformation out there. This is a very good site for cancer info and includes a support board with other women that have DCIS. Dr Susan Love's breast book is also very informative. Best wishes to you whatever you decide,
Diana
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I also had the option of choosing what treatment to do. It did not sit right with me because I am not a doctor. Educate yourself in all options. Try and think of all scenarios and how you might feel with each. I choose a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. My surgery was just 2 weeks...
1 comment 1I also had the option of choosing what treatment to do. It did not sit right with me because I am not a doctor. Educate yourself in all options. Try and think of all scenarios and how you might feel with each. I choose a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. My surgery was just 2 weeks ago.
Good luck
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Someone I know is having a double mastectomy. What will she be most comfortable wearing at home following surgery?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Something loose and easy to dress because the arms movement will be restrained! A robe with pi
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Ops... A robe with pockets (for the drains) would be perfect!!
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Do they still do removal of both breasts?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2009
While a bilateral mastectomy is still an option than many women choose, it is not alway the choice. In some cases, a single breast mastectomy is recomended to speed the process of treatment and then the woman is give the option to remove the second breast during reconstruction. There are some,...
Comment 1While a bilateral mastectomy is still an option than many women choose, it is not alway the choice. In some cases, a single breast mastectomy is recomended to speed the process of treatment and then the woman is give the option to remove the second breast during reconstruction. There are some, like myself who live with one breast.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Yes. Had mine removed 8/15/11
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I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer on 9/7. Having a double mastectomy with reconstruction surgery is not scheduled until 10/18. It is not in the lymph nodes now - is 8 weeks a long wait for surgery? Afraid it will spread during the wait.
Asked by anonymous
Stage 1 Patient- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2004
It depends on what stage. If it is DCIS (stage 0), then you are probably fine. Did you discuss your concerns with your doctor? I had early stage cancer and waited about 3 weeks before surgery. I had the bilateral mas. and reconstruction done at the same time as well.
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
Hi Karen, you should be ok. Have you discussed your concerns with your breast surgeon? Are you going to be receiving chemo or radiation afterwards?
Comment 1
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Has anyone had a prophylactic double mastectomy?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
No, but I had a double mastectomy on 8/15. I have a family hx of breast cancer that eventually caught up withe. If you decide to do this, you will need courage, strength
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I waited 7 yrs after I was dxd wit stage 1-2 dcis invasive. No nodes out of 22. Given less than 5% chance of recurrence That was 15 yrs ago. So after 7, I decided to play it "safe" and have a mastie with the other breast done prophylactic ally. At 13 yrs 9 mos cancer free I was dxd with mets...
Comment 0I waited 7 yrs after I was dxd wit stage 1-2 dcis invasive. No nodes out of 22. Given less than 5% chance of recurrence That was 15 yrs ago. So after 7, I decided to play it "safe" and have a mastie with the other breast done prophylactic ally. At 13 yrs 9 mos cancer free I was dxd with mets to the bone. So much for low risk for recurrence. I had 14 months NED and then I began having back pain. I am now on my third time up for radiation and a new chemo shot called falsodex. Well it's been 15 yrs since my original dx and I'm still here. No organ involvement at this point. I wish you luck, love, and good health with NO RECURRANCES. God bless.
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I am having surgery on Tuesday (10/18) for a double mastectomy with reconstruction. How long will drains be in and are they difficult to live with until removal?
Asked by anonymous
Stage 1 Patient- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
It is very important to peroxide the area where the drain goes into your side. It may pull if it tries to scab over too fast. You also may have some leakage around the entry site as well. If that happens tape gauze under the site. Use paper tape that will prevent you from getting irritated by...
Comment 4It is very important to peroxide the area where the drain goes into your side. It may pull if it tries to scab over too fast. You also may have some leakage around the entry site as well. If that happens tape gauze under the site. Use paper tape that will prevent you from getting irritated by latex medical tape. I am at the end of my mastectomy with nipple reconstruction. It is a long and hard journey but faith got me thru it. God bless you!!!
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
I'm going in on the 24th. I received a cami to hold the drains. Your insurance may cover them. They also may give you one at the hospital. Like Kathy said ther usually come out in 1-2 weeks. Good luck Jessica!
Comment 3
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I had a double mastectomy on December 6th of last year. Am now looking at a breast reconstruction. I had a big infection on one side and it has left me with some scars. Will this be a problem when/if I get a reconstruction?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Thank u so much. This has worried me since I had an infection for 3 months.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Thank u so much this has put my mind at rest. Very grateful
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My mom is having a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery on Tuesday. Any recommendations on what to pack and how I can support her the best way possible?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Pack loose button up or zip up shirts. Bring a pillow for the drive home that can get bumpy and uncomfortable. Check to see if she will be given a surgical bra that will hold the drains. It makes things a lot easier. Most of all your love and support. Your mom is in my thoughts and prayers.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Pack your patience and understanding. I had a bilateral mastectomy about 30 days ago, and my Aunt has been so wonderful and supportive just being here by my side and helping me through all the difficult time. Try not to leave your mom's side. Make sure someone is there at the hospital with her...
Comment 1Pack your patience and understanding. I had a bilateral mastectomy about 30 days ago, and my Aunt has been so wonderful and supportive just being here by my side and helping me through all the difficult time. Try not to leave your mom's side. Make sure someone is there at the hospital with her especially at night cause that's when real emotion start to set in. I will keep your family in my prayers.
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Anyone have to go through another round of chemo. It's been 2 weeks after my double mastectomy and found out I have to do adriamycin cytoxin
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
Yes, I did Summer. I was diagnosed last May and went through Adriamycin/Cytoxin then Taxol. I had my double mastectomy three weeks later. They found 13/15 lymph nodes that were positive with two that had broken outside the node. Due to this finding my Onc. Strongly suggested that I have another...
2 comments 0Yes, I did Summer. I was diagnosed last May and went through Adriamycin/Cytoxin then Taxol. I had my double mastectomy three weeks later. They found 13/15 lymph nodes that were positive with two that had broken outside the node. Due to this finding my Onc. Strongly suggested that I have another round of chemo before I could have radiation. So....I went through 8 treatments of Gemzar/Carboplatin beginning 3 weeks after my surgery. It was tiring, but I'm happy to say I had my last chemo last week. :). I will have another PET scan on Monday and praying for good results so I can move on to the next step. I was upset & disappointed that I had to have more chemo....but in the end, I'm glad I did...knowing I did all I could do to get better. I'll be thinking of you. :). Hang in there!
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anonymous
Stage 2A Patient
Hi Summer, I am currently in chemo therapy. I have Adriamycin, Cytoxin and Taxotere every 3 weeks. I have had 3 out of 6.rounds. I have been fortunate not to have experienced any major side effects other than fatique and total hair loss but by the end of the first week after chemo i am feeling...
2 comments 0Hi Summer, I am currently in chemo therapy. I have Adriamycin, Cytoxin and Taxotere every 3 weeks. I have had 3 out of 6.rounds. I have been fortunate not to have experienced any major side effects other than fatique and total hair loss but by the end of the first week after chemo i am feeling better. One thing i have found very helpful is to make sure i am very hydrated before and after a chemo treatment. I wish you all the best, and we will get through this!
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Today I made the decision to have a double mastectomy. I have IDC I am stage 2b. er pr positve and her 2 negative. I feel like the meltdown is coming. I have been strong through all of these decisions but this one is getting to me. Any suggestions
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2B Patient- View all 9 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
Hi Susie...I'm so sorry you're going through this. But you're not alone & everything you're feeling is normal & to be expected. I was diagnosed last May with IDC as well. When I first found out I had cancer, I experienced a wide range of emotions. Shock, disbelief (why me), fear, confusion, anger...
4 comments 4Hi Susie...I'm so sorry you're going through this. But you're not alone & everything you're feeling is normal & to be expected. I was diagnosed last May with IDC as well. When I first found out I had cancer, I experienced a wide range of emotions. Shock, disbelief (why me), fear, confusion, anger I was stage 3C, ER/PR positive, HER2 neg as well. I had chemo first, my double mastectomy, then more chemo after my surgery. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to cry when you need to. It's o.k. When letting the bad feelings out...you'll have more room to let the good ones in. And good feelings will return. Talk to as many survivors as you can, read inspiring books (like "There's No Place Like Hope by Vickie Gerard), & surround yourself with good friends, family, & positive people. Just take one day at a time. If thats too much, do a few hours at a time. I mourned the loss of my breasts. But the good news is.... I finished my chemo last month and on Feb 8th i was told my PET scan was free of cancer!!!! I will be able to begin radiation next week. And later this year I will have reconstruction. I feel truly blessed to be alive. Im getting stronger every day & I've come so far! You'll get there too Susie. When is your mastectomy date? Please come back & post again. There are some awesome women who have been in our shoes and are willing to listen whenever you want to talk. They're true angels. You'll be in my thoughts & prayers. Hugs Susie
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anonymous
Survivor since 2003
Susie when I made my decision to have a double mastectomy in 2003. With reconstruction, So many things ran through my mind and even though I was confident that was what I wanted I too had melt downs. Let yourself cry. I would be fine until I'd get in the shower many a night I cried as I showered...
1 comment 3Susie when I made my decision to have a double mastectomy in 2003. With reconstruction, So many things ran through my mind and even though I was confident that was what I wanted I too had melt downs. Let yourself cry. I would be fine until I'd get in the shower many a night I cried as I showered knowing that my body would be different in a few weeks. That is all normal feelings and it is okay I even started to write my eulogy in my mind. But then I'll tell myself look at all the survivors before you. Look at all the hundreds of women who have breast augmentation or breast reductions. Yes ours comes because of cancer but with reconstruction you don't have to have that empty feeling. You have to focus on the positive you are getting rid of the evil cancer and you are a survivor. I use to also tell myself that boobs are only fatty tissue it's not an important functioning organ. I can survive without extra fat on my body. Everyone is different on how they deal with the loss of a breast all the women I've known do adjust and are happy with their decision peace of mind that the cancer has been removed is awesome even if further treatment is required you can move on just being alive. Sending some positive vibes your way. And remember its okay to cry. Take care.
Related Topics
- Adriamycin
- Breast Cancer
- Breast Reconstruction
- Chemotherapy
- Clothing
- Cytox
- Diagnosis
- Dose Dense
- Drains
- Emotions
- Family
- Femininity
- Help
- Idc
- Infection
- Kids
- Loved Ones
- Lumpectomy
- Mammogram
- Mastectomy
- Negative
- Nightware
- Pathologist
- Pathology
- Reconstructive Breast Surgery
- Report
- Research
- Risks
- Scars
- Sonogram
- Stages
- Stress
- Support
- Surgery
- Treatment
- Triple
- Triple Negative
- Tumor
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