Breast Cancer Support

How do I convince my surgeon to do a bilateral mastectomy?

I am scheduled for a mastectomy with removal of lymph nodes on 11/30 for Stage IIIa IDC. I am triple negative. Surgeon has said she would not recommend bilateral because I only have a 1% chance of developing BC on the other side.

I did go for genetic testing - if positive, she will do bilateral mastectomy though. However, with lack of family history, the counselor thinks it will come back negative.

DH says I should to go another surgeon who will do bilateral. However, I feel extremely comfortable with this surgeon and that is HUGE to me. I just know if I have the one done and I find anything in the other breast, I will absolutely freak! Besides...mammogram didn't detect the tumor I have currently!

Did you have to convince your surgeon do to a bilateral? How did you do that? what did you say? Any help would be appreciated.

Penny

she said she would not recommend it, but ultimately it's your choice, just tell her you have discussed this with your husband and you are both in agreement, you want the bilateral done regardless.   

Good luck and sending you lots of hugs!