Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Should I get one breast or both breasts taken off if only one has cancer


Should I get one breast or both breasts taken off if only one has cancer?
I just recently found out I had breast cancer. With my emotional status off the charts, I have been having a really hard time making a decision about having one or both of my breasts taken off. I have a fast growing tumor in one breast and i am contemplating having both removed. Would it lessen the chances of getting it again? Anyone who has an opinion, please say it
Women's Health - 12 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
both.
2 :
My mother-in-law had a fast growing tumor in one breast. After she had it removed, the following year the other breast got cancer as well.
3 :
bring it up with ur doctor
4 :
yes, get both removed because it will make the chances of it coming back are slim. And it you're always better safe than sorry.
5 :
Tough question, I ask the doctor what the odds are of it spreading to the other side. Take time and do your research
6 :
Well at least you would not look lop sided if you do decide to remove both breasts. And men might just think you have small breasts...many men prefer small breasts.
7 :
I am so sorry about your diagnosis. I will pray for you. I would talk to your doctor about that decision. Everyone is different and it doesn't mean you will get it in your other breast. It is a hard decision, because if you only get one and the other one gets it, then you would have to go through it all again. That would be hard too. Is there any family history? When is your surgery? I would pray about it and talk with your doctor before making any final decision. Only you can make the decision that is right for you. Right down all your questions and what you do know and weigh out your options. Hugs to you, and I do pray you have a Merry Christmas even with this bad news hanging over you.
8 :
both why would you want to walk around with one titty
9 :
my aunt didnt get them removed wen she got them in both, she got them just opened up and now she basicly has like implants. i feel so bad for u and get both taken off cause u dont wanna look like a One-Boobed freak. good luck??
10 :
It depends. If only one is affected with cancer, you should only remove that one cause you'll never know where the cancer will spread, its random it could affect the liver, the lungs or the uterus instead.
11 :
I am very sorry to hear you have cancer. I want to become an oncology nurse. I know one lady that only had one breast removed. Another lady had both removed because she did not want to risk going through it again. It is your choice, you would have to ask your doctor what he thought. and if it would lessen the chances. Good luck and God bless
12 :
So very sorry about your diagnosis. My wife went through this same experience earlier this year, and a hammer couldn't have hit any harder than hearing those words coming from the doctor. It was only in one breast, but she elected to have them both removed as she didn't want to run the risk of having it return later in the other breast. She also had a family history of breast cancer. This is definitely a factor. Talk to your doctor about your options. Neither one will sound any better than the other. Believe me, you're going to question your femininity. It would take a great strength not to. But logically, there are restorative and cosmetic options available, and from what I understand most insurance companies have to help pay for them. It's good for a patient's well being. Another woman I know also had them both removed then had them reconstructed a few years later. It was just a little pricey, but worth it to her. I'm not sure, but perhaps you could research to see if there is any financial assistance or charities that will help with this cost. Some hospitals will even assist from their own charity programs or perhaps forgive part of the bill as an act of charity. Good luck, Mark the CharityPlush.com team



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Posted by breast cancer consultant at 11:05 AM