HER2 positive diagnosed Dec 24 -

Thank you for sharing your journey. I am truly sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Your message resonates with me. Like you, I was also 49, fit, and healthy when I discovered a lump in my left breast, and it has been a whirlwind since then. I was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer in my left breast, and there were multiple suspicious cells in my right breast that required further investigation.

My first mammogram biopsy on my right breast was aborted due to a reaction I had. After the second attempt, the surgeon was unhappy with the placement of the markers in comparison to the scan. At a meeting with the surgeon, she offered me the choice between a lumpectomy with radiation or a mastectomy, along with further investigation on my right breast. During that meeting, I asked if I could have a double mastectomy to expedite the process rather than undergo more investigations and genetic testing. I was told that I could. I was concerned about being diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma (the "sneaky" breast cancer) along with suspicious cells in the other breast.

I also asked the surgeon which she would recommend between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy for the left breast. She informed me that both options were equally viable; otherwise, she would have recommended one over the other. Thus, I believe it ultimately comes down to personal choice. 

As it turned out, following the double mastectomy, my right breast was clear. However, I do not regret my decision, as I will no longer have to have yearly mammograms. Unfortunately, as one of my lymph nodes was involved (discovered after surgery). I will be undergoing either chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy or going straight to radiation and then hormone therapy depending on the results of an Oncotype DX text.

It’s such a hard decision isn't it. I completely understand you wanting to explore tall options before making your final decision. Please know you are not alone in this; many of us are navigating similar paths and can offer support. Each journey is unique, and it’s important to do what feels right for you.

If you have any questions or need support as you navigate this process, I am here to share or listen. Wishing you all the best as you continue your treatment. You’ve got this!

Susie