post chemo and genetic test

onemargie

Hi all its been months since Ive been on this forum, never been one for social media but have decided to up date my progress for anyone else out there who might be interested.  diagnosed in may with triple neg had a L mastectomy by choice instead of lumpectomy and radiation then chemo) no lymph node involvement and scans all clear. I have finished my 8 fortnightly rounds of chemo ( 4 AC 4 taxsol) 5 weeks ago  got through it fairly well, better than I thought I would the biggest thing was the fatigue for me for the first week then improved from there also had some issues with reflux which I've never had before. and some back muscle soreness post Add to dictionary injections for a day but relieved with baths and body shop bath milk... that stuff is the best!!. some mild tingling in my fingers and toes and my finger nails got a beating but improved since I put the hard core polish on them and of course the hair loss, mind you I shaved my head after my first round of chemo and was left with stubble which I still have but still no regrowth in sight yet. Ive heard it can take months. I still managed to function though with daily stuff like housework, dinner etc just got it all out the way in the mornings when I was feeling half human. I started back at work a couple weeks ago just 4 hours per week which is keeping me busy, will go back properly in the new year as per specialists I  have booked to have my other boob off end of nov as a preventative although surgeon and oncologist said it wasn't necessary I was adamant I wanted if off as Ive heard of women getting it in the other side but now I'm umming and aaahhing over it, not sure why has anyone else had the other side done when its not been recommended?? I qualified for the genetic test, as i have no family history and I'm 44 so not sure if I should just wait for that or not?? If I am + I will have to have my ovaries out anyway. Will stay up to date now that I am feeling good. Hope everyone else is travelling ok. Margie

primek

I'd go for the test. I had a bilateral as mine  a her2 and dense  breast tissue  meant it hid in a mammogram. My surgeon did suggest it and I had immediate reconstruction.  I had a strong family history on Father and mother's . I've since had the  genetic test done and don't carry the familial faulty  gene from my father  but don't regret my decision. Even though my mother's  side can't  idenetify a gene ...the genetics people  still have concerns...2 sisters and a daughter seems sus. Just happy I'm not up for more surgery. It's a personal  choice. I would have needed extensive surgery on the remaining breast anyway to help match them up...so don't see how this was a benefit...but that is me.

onemargie

thanks for your reply forgot to note that I had the blood test for the genetic test last week and have been told ill have to wait 8 weeks for results have read some more stuff on this website today and have read more about recurrence in the other side so will most likely have it off but I'm not having immediate reconstruction that doesn't bother me I'm happy to use the prosthetics. kindest regards Margie:)

Afraser

I didn't have my other breast removed or a reconstruction. I was 67, no history of cancer in the family let alone breast cancer and neither my oncologist or surgeon thought it was necessary. As I had a large and persistent seroma resulting in a serious infection a year after surgery,  no one is particularly keen for me to go for more surgery unless there is a reason. Short story is if I get cancer again it is as likely to be elsewhere in the body as in my other breast. But it's a really personal decision, and there are no guarantees so it's important to do what feels right for you. Good luck whatever decision you make.

Ne

Hi Margie.  I was 39 at diagnosis, no family history.  My cancer was 3 tumors, stage2b and very aggresive so mastectomy of affected breast was advised.  I too wanted the healthy breast removed at the same time but my sugeon refused and I accepted.  12 months later and after treatment ended i did go for genetic testing and tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation.  Needless to say, I then had to go back to have the healthy breast taken off (annoyed because I could have done it all in one surgery so just didn't want the extra surgery but knew I was not taking a risk).  I also ended up having a full hysterectomy to reduce my risk of ovarian.  If I could turn back the clock I would have demanded that the healthy breast was removed from starters, just because I was so young and wanted to reduce my risk full stop.  You should stick to your guns if this is what you want.  The possitive of a double mastectomy apart from reduced risk for recurrence is also the outcome of your reconstruction and aestetics of doing both breasts together.  All the best with the rest of your treatment.

unknown

Hi,  I had cancer diagnosed in October last year and mastectomy left breast.  I also suggested double mastectomy but was told it was extreme.  I am now thinking of having mastectomy on right breast - eg no need for continuing 6 month 12 month scans plus I am young enough to recover from surgery.  I am interested in opinion of others who are considering the same, or who have had double mastectomy at different times.  thanks.

onemargie

Hi there again I have decided to definitely take the other boob off, I think I was just getting whoopy as its more surgery but its the decision I made in the first place and I'm sticking with it. Nov 28th I'm booked to have it done. thanks for all the feedback. Hugs to you all. Margie