I had single mastectomy. Medicaid gave me a prosthetic breast and special bras which I only need to wear sometimes when my clothes seem to need it for better appearance. Most times I go without them and wear regular old bras (as before mastectomy ones). I have small breasts so not noticeable that one is there and other not there. I also like loose comfy clothes.My doctors discouraged me on breast reconstruction...could have side problems..but no matter, I don't want it anyway. Cost extra money too, even with Insurance..co-pays etc. As I said, my regular pre-mastectomy breasts are small anyway. Not much to see..LOL Husband does not mind and I am already 65! been there, done that.

Thanks all those many months ago to those who answered my question! I did have the right side removed. And then I had bilateral reconstruction.
I am 10 weeks post exchange surgery and feeling great and happy with my decision!

@A MyBCTeam Member - good luck with your decision, many on this site can give you their take but, ultimately, it's your decision. {hug}

I have to admit I wish now I would have had the other breast removed at the time of the first mastectomy. No one every talked to me about it but now I really wish I would have done it. Not sure that my insurance would allow it now since I do not care the gene for breast cancer. But wish I would of just done it.

I had my second, healthy breast removed about ten months after my first mastectomy. I just couldn't stop worrying about developing cancer in my other breast, I became obsessed. Having it removed was the best thing I could have done, no regrets.

I chose to only have my left breast removed; ILC, stage II B, cancer in one lymph node, but 16 were removed. I am getting chemo and will receive my last treatment this month. I have had lymphedema for more than a month. I would be as concerned about lymph node involvement on my right side as cancer. Because of this, I am strongly considering having the right breast removed.