Facing a Difficult Decision: Single or Double Mastectomy?

Hi Eva, So sorry to hear about what you are going through. Go with your gut feeling. If you feel you want to get a biopsy of the left first, then go ahead and do it before the surgery for the right. Once you know that result, you will be able to make a decision. Quite possibly, no matter what decision you make, it won't be easy. None of this is easy. If you opt for a double mastectomy, and depending on what you want to have done afterwards, ask if you can have an immediate reconstruction. Do your research because there are several options available. I have been doing research for a few months now and it has helped me to know I have options. Even though this whole experience is terrible. I will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way. Best of luck to you💕

As Nil T said, go with your gut and nsje the decision that is right for you. I had cancer in the left breast and nothing in the right. I opted for a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I second guessed myself many times after making the decision as I'm sure a lot of people do. But I'm on the other sidebof all of it now and am happy with the decision that I made.

Susan, How did your recovery go? What is the downtime? Were you in terrible pain? I'm waiting for my surgery and it's been an emotional roller-coaster. This is my second time being diagnosed in 4 years. I wish the oncologist had listened to me the first time when I wanted a mastectomy, but they talked me out of it. I didn't advocate for myself and wasn't really ok mentally and just in shock. Now, here we go again, and the same breast. I had a mastectomy in June but not the reconstruction because I wasn't sure what I wanted. They also didn't speak to me about other options. I researched options and decided on one. However, dealing with the pain now, I went back to requesting implants. All of this is so hard.

Nil T, My recovery went very well. I was off of work for 5 weeks for the double mastectomy and then had a work from home agreement as I started chemo around that time. My medical team is amazing. My surgical oncologist originally suggested lumpectomy but when I went in and made my argument for a double mastectomy, she said "ok" and was on board with my plan. Once chemo was finished we did the swap of the expanders for implants prior to radiation. Downtime for that was 2 weeks. With each surgery, there were about 4 weeks of restrictions. Pain was very manageable. I was given ibuprofen and acetaminophen that I rotated during the day. And I took the oxy's at night so that I was sure that I would get sleep. I couldn't be happier with my implants. Don't get me wrong, I would love to not have ever gone through this, and I never imagined myself with implants, but I love my new boobs. Lol

Hi everyone, my first diagnosis was in 2011 left breast. I have history of breast cancer, my Mom Nd maternal aunt had breast cancer so I opted for bilateral mastectomy. Pain wasn’t to bad and at the time of the surgery I had expanders put in. Then my treatment was aromatase inhibitors for 7 years was doing good. Now in 2023 I was diagnosed with mLBC in my appendix, on my omentum also my scar tissue in my abdomen had it. It is also in my bones. Recently my left knee started bothering me very painful. Long story short PCP said no breaks after X-rays. After a few mor days I went to an Orthopedic doctor he looked at the X-rays my PCP took and said I have lesions on my tibia and fibia. I have an appointment Monday with my oncologist. Talking about radiation for the pain??? I’m shook up but it seems no one else is. I hate that now I never know which doctor I am supposed to call. I’m scared and trying to be strong for my husband but not doing too good. Has anyone else had this happen? Also my Pet scans have only been of the base of my skull to mid thigh. Why not the whole body. Anyone else having the same scans? Thanks for listening.

This is such a challenging situation, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when facing these difficult treatment options. Many people in this community have walked similar paths and found it helpful to take time to process all the information from their medical team, ask questions about the benefits and risks of each approach, and consider what feels right for their individual situation. The support and experiences shared here can be valuable as you work through this decision with your healthcare providers.