Anyone else 'double trouble'?

Hi Libby

Totally agree on the rarity of our situation!!

I was diagnosed back in Sept 2014 with bilateral BC, node involvement in left side only – both tumours occurring in same location in each breast!!  I did have the option of a lumpectomies and associated treatment but chose to have bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction.  With BC occurring in both breasts at the same time (plus node involvement) I did not feel safe in just having the lumpectomies, knowing I would be completely stressed, awaiting a possible recurrence.  My lovely surgeon was supportive of either treatment options.

Each tumour had a different (but similar) diagnosis and I was treated overall as HER2+ with 4 x FEC, 12 X weekly Taxol, 12mths Herceptin and 28 radiation zaps to left breast only.  I had my surgery after completion of radiation.  Started Femara in July 2015 and switched to Arimidex in March 2016 – will be taking these for at least 5yrs, maybe 10yrs and receiving calcium infusions every 6mths with only a couple more to go. 

With only one paternal aunt diagnosed in our family there was discussion about genetic testing, but advised there was no real concern so did not proceed.

 Perhaps if only one breast was involved my surgery decision may have leaned towards a lumpectomy and I think this would have been a harder decision with more outcomes to consider: - how ‘different’ my affected breast would have been Vs my normal breast, stress awaiting recurrence in either breast etc.  Again, I could have gone the mastectomy route also.

 I feel as though I have done all I can to eradicate BC from my life but as many ladies here will attest there is always the fear it has found its way elsewhere and gathering its forces for another strike!  Cheers, Martine