Forum Discussion
Second time around
I had breast cancer eight years ago, had lumpectomy, radiation and five years meds. After mammogram in August they discovered dcis in other breast, after operation to remove they found small invasive tumour so had to go back in a week later for Lymph nodes. The decision I have to make now before 4th October is do I have radiation and another five years of meds or do I have bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Would love to hear from others. It may seem radical to have mastectomy but The stress this has caused my husband and I this time around makes me wonder if we can keep coping with the what if each time I go for yearly check up. I know there are no guarantees with mastectomy either so I am torn as to which way to go. Would love not to have to make this decision but other women's experiences may help me decide
34 Replies
- Hi Melinda, yes we are similar.My recurrence was 7 years ago.I had to have a left mastectomy and didn't really think about recon at the time- just wanted the cancer gone asap.I wear a prosthesis and am used to it now but get a bit fed up being lopsided.I think about the DIEP recon but it's huge surgery and I'm undecided whether to have the other breast off as well. So I just stay put for now. I took Tamoxifen for 4 years and,touch wood,I've been cancer free for last 7 years.I was eostrogen +ve and hercept -ve.Hopefully we'll both be ok despite a recurrence. xx
- Hey @TonyaM seems we were very similar. So did you have a single or double mastectomy at recurrence? How have you been since? as you're about 5yrs ahead of me. I had a recurrence in 2015, so 2yrs all good after my mastectomy, mind you pathology was perfect uuugh. Melinda xo
- Hi Pink, I had a lumpectomy, full node clearance and radiation back in 2003. 7 yrs later cancer came back in the same breast, same spot.In my case, there was an 8% chance of recurrence- unlucky me ay. I had no choice but to have a mastectomy. I couldn't have recon with implants because of previous radiation. I suspect that 8% chance of recurrence is higher because I know too many women like me. These decisions are so difficult and personal. Keep researching and asking questions and hopefully an answer will come to you that feels right. xx
- I had triple negative bc too by the way
- Hi there it's definately a very personal decision I was diagnosed may 2016 left boob grade 3 stage 2a no lymph nodes involved and scans clear. I was given the choice of lumpectomy chemo and radiation or mastectomy and chemo( 8 rounds) I opted for the latter as I didn't want chemo and radiation. Then 6 months later I took the other one off as a preventative measure. I was told too it's not necessary but no one could tell me for sure that I wouldn't get it in the other side. And I've read about enough women who this has happened too and my gut instinct and after long discussion with hubby I decided this was best for me and I don't regret it. Just waiting for my recon which I'll talk about in the bc recon forum as I have a few questions. Everyone is different and like I said this was the decision I made. It makes me feel better as I know there's always a small chance of recurrence occurring elsewhere but at least I've reduced the risk somewhat. I also was not keen on always having to have bloody mammograms. Good luck with it you will know what's right for you. Margie
- Hi pink I was diagnosed in early Feb and I opted for double mastectomy and have no regrets. I'm only 38 and have 2 small boys so wanted to eliminate a chance of recurrence as much as I could. I know there are no guarantees but I couldn't handle the stress of wondering and waiting for it to happen to the other breast and couldn't handle the stress everytime before a mammogram if I left the other breast. They were my reasons and I am so happy I did make that decision for me. I finished my chemo this week and start radiation in a couple of weeks. Reconstruction for me will have to be expanders and implants because I don't have enough excess flesh but not going to worry about that untill next year when my body has recovered x
- I had single mastectomy with no reconstruction. If the other breast were to get cancer I would have it off as well. Then I could go around the house topless all summer! :D
- Hi there.
I had a recurrence in same Breast. I had had previous lumpectomy, chemo and rads. I neeeded a mastectomy and I could not have an implant reconstruction due to radiation damage to my skin. Both my diagnosis were very aggressive and both very soon after clear mammograms. My breast did not image well. I wanted a tissue transfer surgery using my abdomen. You can only do that once. It was a bit of a no brainer for me for both those reasons. Breasts not imaging well and also wanting the tissue transfer from my tummy. We are as you can see all different. I guess you need to seek professional guidance and do some more research. Then it's a matter of the lists of pros and cons. Unfortunately we don't all get a crystal ball (if only). Whatever you decide will. Be your decision and you will feel better once you reach it.
Hugs to you.
Paula xxx - Appreciating all information and comments. Thanks ladies
