Second time around

I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I had an aggressive tumour that wasn't visible in a mammogram done just 5 weeks before I found a lump. I had very dense breast tissue and a really sucky family history. I wasn't keen on a lumpectomy due to my concern that local recurrence could be missed in mammograms due to breast density and my surgeon actually suggested the bilatetal and reconstruction, which I agreed with. Whilst I miss my breasts I don't regret my decision. It at least reduces the chance of local recurrence or a new primary cancer by 97% so I'm pretty happy with that. Of course it doesn't prevent metastic spread but that is why we do the chemo and tablets to try to mop any of those stray cells up. I know statistically a lumpectomy and radio usually gives equivalent results. ..but it wouldn't reduce my scanxiety. Kath x

Thanks for that Melinda, will check out the link

@Pink interestingly I asked my Surgeon/Oncologist the same thing at my 2nd diagnosis in 2015, and was told there is no difference between a Lumpectomy or Mastectomy in terms of Statistics or Survival rate. Seems odd doesn't it? So when I chose the Mastectomy it was purely to stop it coming back once again in that same breast. 

Thought you might find this link helpful 
http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/more-double-mx-but-survival-same-as-lx

Melinda xo

Thank you for that, I can very much relate to things going south. I have the same thoughts about that constant worrying and what ifs. What are the statistics or percentages though of keeping your breasts and going through treatment as opposed to mastectomy as far as reoccurrence is concerned. Any idea?

There is no right or wrong answer to this...each of us has to make the decision that is right for us. I had a bilateral mastectomy in April this year. That the left had to go was a given, but the right had shown signs of "abnormal geography". I was given the choice of biopsies, further scans and ra ra ra but I asked to have it removed too. Number of factors here. I'm 59 and, lets be honest, gravity, age , pregnancies and breastfeeding had taken their toll. My nipples didn't gaze cheerfully above the horizon any more, but looked rather forlornly towards the ground. I would have been very lopsided (having been a 18D), but most importantly, for me was the fear and stress of the right side going bad. I said to my surgeon, after she had gone through all the standard statistics about the second breast, that I felt as unsettled as if I was told that a registered sex offender lived next door to me. No matter how many assurances I was given about how this person would be closely monitored, ankle bracelets tracking his movements, weekly check in with his parole officer and so on, and the fact that I would probably, statistically, be safer as he was a known potential threat, rather than Joe Soap who could be more dangerous, but was off the radar, I still would not live there. I would move, but that's just me. As it happened, the post mastectomy pathology showed Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia as well as columnar cell changes in that suss right breast. Not cancerous or even technically pre cancerous, but abnormal, and would have needed very close monitoring. Not for me.

Thank you for your support, lot to consider. Cheryl

Hi @Pink
I am sad to hear of your news.  I am 100% with you on the annual stress levels.  For what is it worth, if I have anything appear again I would have the second mastectomy and be done with it.  Ask all questions you need and good luck with your decision.
Hugs to you and your supportive hubby  Summer  :-) 

Thank you for that, lucky to have very supportive husband who will love me whichever way I go as yours obviously has, I am sure it will come to me and once it does my head will settle

Having a mastectomy is a very personal decision it impacts your self-esteem and it can impact your relationship.  I had a mastectomy 13 years ago and I don't regret it for a minute my husband has been wonderful but it really needs to be a joint decision . I made the decision to have an implant  because it was a less invasive by surgery has worked well for me.   One thing it does do is remove the stress that will come back in the breast.  I would suggest that you and husband talk to a cancer council councillor to talk through the realities of intimacy with a reconstruction.  It has been no issue for my relationship but I know it is for others.  Don't be afraid just be informed.  You will make the decision that is right for you.  Take care

Thanks, yes I am thinking that as I am still considering a bilateral/reconstruction knowing what a big operation it is that is the way I am being guided. I got my BRCA results back a couple of days ago and they were negative which is wonderful as also takes pressure off my children and grandchildren