Topic information for: double mastectomy
Real Stories from people
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Penny06:40
Related Questions
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Has anyone ever regretted a double mastectomy choice?
Asked by Surf Momma
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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Ana Naluh Andrade
Learning About Breast Cancer
Nope! Double mastectomy, chemo, oopherectomy and reconstruction! I'm BRCA 2 positive, and the cancer was estrogen and progesterone positives. losing my boobs, hot flashes, neuropathy, joint pain, are a really little price to pay for my life.
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Jackie Pryor
Learning About Breast Cancer
I made an educated decision after doing my research and asking survivors what they did and why they chose their treatment and where they happy with their decision and results. I found Dr. Love's Breast Book indispensable. I had stage 1, grade 1 ductal carcinoma. ER PR , her2 neg. A double...
2 comments 1I made an educated decision after doing my research and asking survivors what they did and why they chose their treatment and where they happy with their decision and results. I found Dr. Love's Breast Book indispensable. I had stage 1, grade 1 ductal carcinoma. ER PR , her2 neg. A double mastectomy and oopherectomy (ovaries removed ...already had uterus gone) was the only way to go for me, since my cancer fed on hormones. I have not oce regretted my decision. It IS a personal decision. Do your research! Best wish to you and God Bless!
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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 Jessica Fisher
Stage 3A Patient- View all 4 answers
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Diana Foster
Survivor since 2012
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...
4 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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Surf Momma
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 Linda GP
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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Donna Beasley
Learning About Breast Cancer
Year ago August 26, 2010 I too had double mastectomy. I found that either pjs or gowns that opened from the front worked best for me because of the drain tubes. Also she's not going to be able to lift her arms over her head. Hope this works for her also . Stay strong you will make it through this
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Kathy M
Learning About Breast Cancer
My hospital provided me with a surgical bra that had clasps for all my drains. If her hospital doesn't have these they can be purchased. Also zip up sweatshirts and camisoles.
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Do they still do removal of both breasts?
Asked by Sharon Hardwick
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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Adrienne private
Stage 3C Patient
Hello,
The option for removing both breasts is there. It can be a difficult decision to make. Some things to consider are risk factors for getting cancer again, and discussing this with your oncologist. some choose to have both breasts removed for cosmetic reasons since symmetry can be an issue...
Comment 1Hello,
The option for removing both breasts is there. It can be a difficult decision to make. Some things to consider are risk factors for getting cancer again, and discussing this with your oncologist. some choose to have both breasts removed for cosmetic reasons since symmetry can be an issue for reconstruction if only one breast is removed. Reasons women may choose not to have both breasts removed include loosing the ability to breastfeed and loosing feeling (good bye to sexual stimulation after mastectomy) in the noncancerous breast.
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Surf Momma
Learning About Breast Cancer
Yes. Had mine removed 8/15/11
Comment 1
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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 Karen Schroeder
Stage 1 Patient- View all 5 answers
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Kathy M
Learning About Breast Cancer
You should ask your surgeon. I don't know how old you are but the younger you are the more aggressive it could be. Also the location of the tumor is very important. I don't want to scare you but I was diagnosed stage 1 no lymph node involvement on 7/28. My surgery was 9/14 and they found that it...
5 comments 1You should ask your surgeon. I don't know how old you are but the younger you are the more aggressive it could be. Also the location of the tumor is very important. I don't want to scare you but I was diagnosed stage 1 no lymph node involvement on 7/28. My surgery was 9/14 and they found that it spread to my lymph nodes and I'm now considered stage 3. I'm only 31 and my tumor was near my nipple so this is not often the case. I just wouldn't want anyone to go through that.
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L D
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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Has anyone had a prophylactic double mastectomy?
Asked by Narelle Biedermann
Learning About Breast Cancer-
Peg Sumner
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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Surf Momma
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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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 Karen Schroeder
Stage 1 Patient- View all 6 answers
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Diana Foster
Survivor since 2012
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!
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Donna Gray
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 3It 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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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 Debbie Carss
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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Debbie Carss
Learning About Breast Cancer
Thank u so much. This has worried me since I had an infection for 3 months.
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Debbie Carss
Learning About Breast Cancer
I would try just about any thing
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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 Unknown Unknown
Learning About Breast Cancer-
Natasha Nunnally
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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Kathy M
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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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 Summer Lynch
Learning About Breast Cancer-
Diana Foster
Survivor since 2012
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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Kristine Fonseca
Stage 0 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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