Scared for surgery of Sept. 24th

[corinacrayola]

I have to make the choice of prophlactic removal of right breast.  I can not decide.
I'm scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy.  My left breast has cancer and needs to
come off but I'm soo worried about my right breast too.  If I keep my right breast
and get reconstructive surgery on left breast, I think I may get an augmentation on
the right breast to produce more symmetry. Does anyone know if this produces good
symmetry the same as bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction?

[Flasparr]

Before you have any surgery, get a consult with a good plastic surgeon in your area who can answer all your questions about reconstructions...there are several different methods that can be used, each with different risks, degrees of complexity, etc.  Insurance will usually pay to have the unaffected breast modified to match the affected breast so you have balance.  They will usually pay for bilateral mastectomy too, even if only one breast is affected...for the prophylaxis.  Then both can be reconstructed to match.  It's a decision only you can make, but again, with the advice and education of a good plastic surgeon who does lots of breast reconstruction.  Should only cost about $150 for consult...insurance won't pay usually for this pre surgical consult unless the doc is involved in your reconstructive surgery at the time of mastectomy....which can be done!  My plastic surgeon consult reassured me that whatever I decided to treat my cancer, he could "fix" later so I could have a nice bustline that was symmetrical.  I will have reconstruction as needed after my surgery and treatments...radiation, if indicated, can mess up the reconstruction, so I'll live lopsided for a bit until we know I'm cancer free and recovered enough to have another surgery.  Again, pay the money to go see the plastic surgeon first...options depend on your breast size, body type, belly fat, scars, all kinds of things.  It's worth it and really helps you make your decisions.

[boninclyde]

Sorry I just seen your post. My answer would be late now. I just wanted to see how you are doing. I hope you are healing well. I had right masectomy and I am going soon for my reconstruction and lift on my left. Hope you post back. Again sorry for the late reply.