Question 1

how long does a double mastectomy take?

Accepted Answer

2-5 hours.: The length of surgery is dependent on the technique (simple-, modified radical-, nipple sparing-, etc) and whether reconstruction is performed simultaneously.  A bilateral simple mastectomy alone may take less than 2 hours;  this time may increase 1-3 hours with reconstruction.

Question 2

how long di double mastectomy procedure take?

Accepted Answer

Not long: The actual procedure should take no more than 2 hours, perhaps a bit less, depending on the pathology and indication for the procedure.

Question 3

when does chemo being after mastectomy? i am having a double mastectomy and i am wondering how long it usually take before chemo radiation begins?

Accepted Answer

Adjuvant chemo: First of all, we need to make sure that the wound from mastectomy are healing well before we start chemotherapy. So it is roughly as early as 4 weeks chemo can be started - to not later than 3 months post surgery. Off course, you do not want to delay it too much. Chemo usually will be started first then once is completed will be followed by radiation therapy.Discuss further with your oncology team.

Question 4

i was recently diagnosed with .6 cm cancerous breast tumor. i have chosen to have a double mastectomy.  will i have to take arimidex (anastrozole).

Accepted Answer

Depends on the: stage and biochemical markers of the cancer.  Consult with your surgeon or oncologist for specific details, but pathologic staging would not be available until the operation is completed and path results are available.

Question 5

for how long does a mastectomy take?

Accepted Answer

Two hours on average: The actual length of the operation depends on the type of mastectomy performed and the type of lymph node procedure that is performed at the same time.  Immediate reconstruction (if planned) must also be factored in.  But in general, the mastectomy operation takes about 2 hours with wound closure taking up about 1/4 of the time.

Question 6

can you tell me what a double mastectomy is?

Accepted Answer

Removal of 2 breasts: Double mastectomy implies removal of both breasts.  This may be done to treat breast cancer in one breast and to prevent the future development of cancer in the opposite breast--this is called a prophylactic mastectomy.  Women at high risk for breast cancer may sometimes opt for a prophylactic double mastectomy.  Reconstruction is optional after any mastectomy, and can often be done simultaneosly.

Question 7

to what extent does a double mastectomy cost?

Accepted Answer

Depends: In most cases, it is covered by insurance (will depend on your coverage and deductible).  I recommend you find a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon in your area to discuss this further.  The pricing is different in different areas of the country.

Question 8

do you think i should get a double mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: This is a very vague question. Without knowing the reason why a double mastectomy has been recommended for you, there is no way to answer that question. Please clarify with your health care provider.

Question 9

could you pick up a double mastectomy for free?

Accepted Answer

Why?: Why would you want to?  If cancer is diagnosed, there is coverage for treatment, even if Medicaid.

Question 10

what's it like to get a double mastectomy at once?

Accepted Answer

Much like unilateral: Its not so different than a unilateral procedure - more but not necessarily double the discomfort. This may be influenced by reconstruction options chosen or not. One caveat - a tram recon can only be done once (can reconstruct both breasts this way at the same time but not each side at different times).

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How long does a double mastectomy take

A member asked:

How long does a double mastectomy take?

A member asked:

How long di double mastectomy procedure take?

A member asked:

When does chemo being after mastectomy? i am having a double mastectomy and i am wondering how long it usually take before chemo radiation begins?

A member asked:

I was recently diagnosed with .6 cm cancerous breast tumor. i have chosen to have a double mastectomy. will i have to take arimidex (anastrozole).

A member asked:

For how long does a mastectomy take?

A member asked:

Can you tell me what a double mastectomy is?

A member asked:

To what extent does a double mastectomy cost?

A member asked:

Do you think i should get a double mastectomy?

A member asked:

Could you pick up a double mastectomy for free?

A member asked:

What's it like to get a double mastectomy at once?

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