What to expect with bilateral mastectomy for early stage breast cancer?

Hi Kimberly. Best of luck with your surgery. Did your doctors recommend double mastectomy?

Yes she did. I also wanted it as I don’t want to have the anxiety of always worrying if it will show up in the left breast. She is one of the top breast cancer surgeons in the State of New Hampshire.

I made the same decision in January only showed up in right breast but had very small granules in left breast so I decided to take both breast off and I opted out of reconstructive surgery because of my age and a few other factors. The only thing now is I don’t want to look in the mirror anymore because I get upset and depressed when I look at my body now. But that will get better with time and lots of praying. I found mine on my self exam it was stage one

I was thinking of not having reconstruction but my breast surgeon did say some patients regret not doing it because they don’t look like before and it is a reminder that cancer won. After long and hard thinking, I decided to have reconstruction done. My husband and I have been positive and make jokes to make me smile about all of this. He said well my wife bring 50 and will have new perky breasts. I did giggle but said they are off limits until I am fully healed. I wish anyone going through breast cancer, surgery and treatment to stay positive, smile and laugh. It truly does help the soul and mind.

Similar diagnosis here. Had my DMX last August at the age of 49 after it being found in my annual mammogram. Didn't want to worry about when it might happen to the other breast or about 'not matching' being a constant reminder. I've been cancer free since tge surgery they tell me, but underwent chemo and radiation to be aggressive. Amcurrently on anastrazole and kisqali. Your attitude is everything! My husband and I of course had our moments, but joked about things every step of the way. My doctors love it. Said that being positive and joking about things probably really helped me get thru treatments and recovery. Stay silly and positive! I'm super happy with my new perky breasts and you will be too! ☺️

I had the same diagnosis in 2018. My onco score was a 6. I tried the meds and couldn't take 3 of the 4. The benefits of the meds did not make dealing with the bone pain ws not happening. I also have chronic migraines so extra pain pushes me over the edge. My main concern is this. Im not on any meds for breast cancer, I have hands on breast check of my reconstruction breasts, no markers to check, no images done. Anyone else with the same markers following this plan? It must be working, I'm 7 plus years out. Stay strong sisters.

I had the same diagnosis as you with IDC, but I'm 70 years old. The end of July with reconstruction. I like my pretty new breasts, too! 😄 However, having said that, if I had had a mastectomy I would have gone flat. I have heard too many horrors of failed flap surgeries or having to redo implants.

I had DIEP reconstruction and I've been very happy with that. Except I make scars like crazy! No nipples, but I could get tattoos. My kids think at 58 my first tattoos should be something else than nipples😅

Hi Kimberly this is almost identical to the one I have almost in the same place. I couldn’t even feel it found on routine screening mammogram. I was going to have a single mastectomy but then they found a mass on mri that is basically invisible. Even if that is benign I’m going ahead with the double

Your positive attitude heading into surgery is truly inspiring and can make a real difference in your recovery journey. Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction is a significant procedure, and it's completely normal to have questions about what to expect - the surgical team will walk you through the recovery timeline, pain management plan, and follow-up care during your pre-surgery appointments. Many community members have shared their experiences with similar procedures and hormone therapy treatments, so feel free to connect with others here who understand exactly what you're going through.