preventative mastectomy

[autoaudit]

can anyone tell me if having a preventative
double mastectomy will totally ruin the
nerves in the nipple?  I'm concerned
about loss of feeling in the nipple.
I'm only considering mastectomy as a
preventative measure at this point.

Thanks...

[af50]

Hi -- After the mastectomy 11 years ago, did you have any further treatments? Did you have positive nodes?  When I had the lumpectomy, my surgeon said that the type of cancer I had did not usually jump into the other breast.  However, I can see your doctors afraid that cancer could appear on the other breast, and therefore recommending a mastectomy. Without knowing too much, my inclination goes towards a mastectomy to substantially reduce the recurrence. But that is something that perhaps you may want to discuss with another doctor, second opinion.  Meanwhile, the cancer under the arm must also be addressed (chemo, radiation?).

Best of lucks Mary!

[fletch1119]

I had a bilateral mastectomy in May of 2007.  Mine was also preventative.  I had immediate reconstruction.  I had expanders in until Oct when the implants were put in.  Nipple reconstruction beginning of May.  I do have feeling in my breast - just not in the scar area.  I do not have any nipple sensation.  I have a very good plastic surgeon and he has done a fabulous job.  I am very happy with my results and have never regretted my decision - Good luck to you

[Mary0327]

I had a mastectomy 11 years ago, and the cancer recurred under my arm on the same side.  The doctors have recommended having the other breast removed in order to prevent getting cancer in that breast, but this makes very little sense to me, after having a recurrence of cancer after the other breast was removed.

[af50]

Hi -- I had a lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and hormonal treatment, and I am quite comfortable with the decision.  However, I met someone yesterday who had a double mastectomy, mainly because she did not want to deal with the entire ordeal of mammograms, MRI's, etc.  Is there any chance of developing cancer, somewhere else in the body after the mastectomy?  There is an on-going post about cancer appearing after years not in the breast, but somewhere else in the body, but it does not specify if the original treatment included a mastectomy.  I may have deviated a bit from the original question, but perhaps with your experience you could advise.
Good luck to you too!

[urstandingonmytoes2007]

I had a preventative mastectomy due to BRCA 2 and my family and personal history.  You will NOT have any feeling in your breasts, they sever the nerves during the mastectomy and it leaves you numb.  Most physicians will remove the nipple with the mastectomy, but even if you choose to retain your nipple ( which isn't recommended ), it won't have any feeling.  This is a big decision, make sure you are well informed and have an experienced plastic surgeon.  Breast reconstruction is often a long and sometimes complicated procedure, be aware of all your options and ask LOTS of questions.  Good Luck

[NED Rocks]

you won't have any nipples left; so yeah.  there are different types of mastectomies; I believe there is one type that conserves the nipples.  But most likely with removal of that much of your breast you will sever the nerves and loose sensation.  This would also be true if you were to get implants.  There is alot to consider with a preventative mastectomy; I suggest thouroughly discussing with your family and doctor.

good luck
jessi