ever since my aunt had a 10 year battle with breast cancer in the 90s which took her life, I have always believed I would opt for double mastectomy if I was ever diagnosed. That day has come. Tests are completed and Surgery options will be discussed with the surgeon on Monday. Everything I read indicates a lumpectomy for my cancer - stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma - no sign of it in lymph nodes from first ultrasound. My cousin (said Aunts daughter) had same cancer, went down lumpectomy route and cancer returned a couple of years later and she had mastectomy. I don't want to risk it. I still feel strongly that I want double mastectomy. Am I over reacting? Surely it will be my choice? I am 66 and am not worried about losing my breasts, although I do worry about my husband, although I am sure he will cope - we are very solid. I would really appreciate hearing from others.

I asked for a mastectomy and stated my concern. After discussing family risks ...and you have 2 at least....my surgeon even suggested a bilateral. ..which I had with immediate reconstruction. Mine was stage 1. I still await gene testing but do not regret my decision even if comes back negative. Hope all goes well. Kath x

It absolutely is your choice.It's your body. You get the tell them what is going to happen, not the other way around.I'd consider that while the risk of recurrence is there, mastectomy takes much longer to heal from and can leave you with much more drastic complications. It can all be quite traumatic.This really is a matter of what you want, and what makes you feel safe. :heart:

I don't think you're over reacting. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, low risk, small tumour, no nodes, stage 1, but I chose a single mastectomy and reconstruction. No family history. I have yearly scans, and my anxiety levels skyrocket a couple of months before the scans. We all live with the shadow of recurrence sitting on our shoulders, and i think anything you can do to reduce that fear is a good thing. You can only go with your gut instinct and what you feel is right for you. Don't let anyone dissuade you from your decision, particularly not the medicos. They are concerned with medical outcomes, not emotional outcomes, as I have realised over the past 3 years. Are you planning reconstruction? I had immediate implants, both breasts to even things up. Yes, it's affected my sex life because my mastectomy nipple has absolutely no feeling in it, and that has affected my libido/responses during foreplay. You and your husband will both have to adapt to the changes, but you say your relationship is strong. But ultimately it's about reducing your fear and anxiety. Put that first, then work around the rest. Best of luck, and I really feel for you.

Just wanted to add that ask your Dr to explain both procedures, risks etc. One of the other reasons I chose mastectomy was that I had very dense breast tissue... so I found out. My cancer was undetected by mammogram because of this. Statistics though show no difference in outcomes with mastectony or lumpectomy if appropriate if followed by radiation. But it is your choice.

Sorry to hear the dreaded day has arrived. I can only speak from my own experience. I had a bilateral mastectomy two weeks ago, although lumpectomy was on the table too. I had dcis, but in both breasts. I felt that there would be issues with margins with lumpectomy and didn't want to worry about that. I am healing well so far. I had never had surgery before, so it was a full on process. But I don't regret it at all.Our bodies change as we age anyway, this is just more dramatic. I lost my nipples too. I just had a chat with my husband about my non-nipples. We are already working on loving my new body together and I still have some bandages.Take care,Jen

Am I over reacting | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Hi Boosilhen, so glad your surgery is completed and your lymph nodes were clear. That is a blessing in itself :)
Thank goodness you went with your instinct and had the bilateral mastectomy!! Hope you are healing well. Sending best wishes, Jane x
Boosilhen
Member
9 years ago
More good news this morning. No chemo or radio needed. Will go on oestrogen tabs for 5 years. Good result. Feeling blessed. Hugs to you all
primek
Member
9 years ago
Glad all went well. How lucky you opted on that bilatetal...saved a return visit. Although the chemo might have sorted it anyway. Now that in both breasts they may recommend referral for genetic testing. Rest and recover.
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi Boosilhen, Congratulations on having had your surgery and also what a relief for you to have confirmed that you certainly did the right thing in choosing bilateral mastectomy!!! Fantastic!!! Let us know road you are heading down treatment wise. All the best Xx Cath
Boosilhen
Member
9 years ago
Quick update from hospital. Bilateral mastectomy completed, feeling good. Received pathology results today. No cancer in lymph nodes removed with left breast mastectomy - 2.5 cm invasive tumour confirmed. Surprise result was that the right breast - collateral damage - also had a previously undetected 4mm invasive carcinoma. Praise be that I had made the right decision to remove both breasts. Just waiting now to find out treatment options.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Boosilhen - All the best for the surgery! So glad you are settled!

Ladies just remember everyones circumstances are so very different, what seems best for one isnt for the other. I actually don't regret the past 5yrs and 2 lumpectomies and for me my Breast Surgeon was so honest and he said in most cases a Lumpectomy is as equivalent and effective as a Mastectomy. Eventhough I am now facing a Mastectomy, I believe the right decisions were made at the right time. So ladies trust your own instincts you will absolutely know what is right for you.

Hugs to all having surgery!! Amazing amazing women! xo Melinda
Boosilhen
Member
9 years ago
Thank you all so very much for your responses. It has meant a great deal to me to hear of your experiences. I saw my surgeon again today and after discussing both options I have chosen to go with my original decision of a bilateral mastectomy which will take place next week. It will certainly give me the best peace of mind and the surgeon is happy that it is an appropriate option for me in my circumstances. I have chosen to wait for reconstruction as I can't have implants and the surgeon and I both feel that the other options might be a bit much all in one surgery. For those of you having surgery soon, good luck, my thoughts will be with you. For everyone else I hope your journeys remain positive ones. Hugs to all.
Lightie
Member
9 years ago
Hi, have just become a member. my surgery is also scheduled for next week. I have followed the advice of the surgeon and opted for a lumpectomy. I feel comfortable with my decision. I think it comes down to what your instinct tells you is the right thing to do. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Lush16
Member
9 years ago
Hello. I am about to have surgery next week & have chosen to have a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I have worried about whether I was being too extreme as well. I have read everything I could get my hands on & have settled on my initial choice. The doctors said I had a choice of mastectomy or lumpectomy & I've had to go with what will give me best peace of mind.
Melhay
Member
9 years ago
It's absolutely your choice.

I've just recently had my 3rd surgery in 13mths due to breast cancer in both breasts (diagnosed at different times) & am awaiting results - again!

Both times recommended surgery was lumpectomy - last one however found a large area of undetected high grade DCIS in the surrounding breast tissue of the tumour so re-excision was required.

When I was first diagnosed I never considered having a mastectomy because I thought it was too drastic - but now I can totally understand why someone would choose this option :)

If you do choose to go down the mastectomy path just be sure to allow yourself enough time to research, find the right surgeon & ask questions so you can make an informed choice.

Mel xx