Surgery choice

I have just been diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. My surgeon's recommendation is a lumpectomy and radiation, but she will support me in whatever surgery choice I make. In my Mum's immediate family, her Mother (my Nana), two brothers and her sister (breast- then bone) have all had cancer. Three of them developed secondary cancers and passed away within two years. I want to reduce the chance of mine cancer coming back so have decided on a double mastectomy and reconstruction. I would be interested in any feed back. Has anyone else made this choice and if so, are they happy or disappointed with their decision? I am finding that just making this decision is more stressful that having the actual diagnosis
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due to lengthy RT. Now I have to consider the other side. I’m leaning to a mastectomy there as like you I have a family history.
...what feels right for you is the right decision. Same with reconstruction - have you seen the breast reconstruction group?
You can also request a referral for genetic counselling if you want to understand your family history of cancers. The cancers most relevant to us are breast and ovarian in female and prostate in male relatives. Also the age at diagnosis is important. If you are going for bilateral Mastectomy anyway then you could explore a referral later?
I’m 4 weeks post double mastectomy with reconstruction (skin sparring Tram flap). And while it’s not for the faint hearted - I don’t regret it at all! In fact I’m amazed at the relief I now feel now that it’s all over. I’m actually going back to work next week! (I’m in admin)
I was diagnosed in February with a 11mm stage 1A grade 2 IDC. Pretty standard with the thoughts of just having a lumpectomy & radiation. But because I’ve already survived ovarian cancer & my father died of prostate cancer, I had genetic testing which came back positive for heterozygous ATM. That kinda made the decision to have a double mastectomy for me.
If you are in Brisbane I can highly recommend my surgical team (PM me).
Best of luck & regardless of your final decision - you will always find love & support here on this forum.
i had bilateral mastectomies in February this year, I had a lumpectomy in October last year with chemo for stage 1A Breast cancer. I do not have any family history of BC or ovarian cancer but I had very dense breasts which made detection difficult. While having a mastectomy can reduce/eliminate the chance of getting BC it does not take away the risk of metastasis elsewhere. I am happy with my decision to have bilateral mastectomies. I did not choose to have any reconstruction.
At the moment I’m researching fat grafting as my flat side is scooped out which is what happens with a mastectomy.I’m also considering having the other breast off but it’s big surgery as you get older.I don’t rush these things now.This probably hasn’t helped you but it’s good to read other people’s experiences as something might click for you.Best wishes.xx
I am now considering own tissue reconstruction in next 2 years, something I just couldn't consider at the time due to need for immediate surgery and chemo and herceptin. It has a long recovery period so I have to mentally and physically ready for this one as it is planned.