Surgery choice
I have just been diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. My surgeon's recommendation is a lumpectomy and radiation, but she will support me in whatever surgery choice I make. In my Mum's immediate famil...
Forum Discussion
It’s a terribly hard decision. I’m a Stage 2b and my surgeon did not want to do both sides upfront as I had a mastectomy and axillary clearance to deal with. He also said no immediate Reconstruction
due to lengthy RT. Now I have to consider the other side. I’m leaning to a mastectomy there as like you I have a family history.
...what feels right for you is the right decision. Same with reconstruction - have you seen the breast reconstruction group?
You can also request a referral for genetic counselling if you want to understand your family history of cancers. The cancers most relevant to us are breast and ovarian in female and prostate in male relatives. Also the age at diagnosis is important. If you are going for bilateral Mastectomy anyway then you could explore a referral later?
due to lengthy RT. Now I have to consider the other side. I’m leaning to a mastectomy there as like you I have a family history.
This is your call, many women opt for it and no one can understand fully what it takes to make it if they haven’t been in our position!
...what feels right for you is the right decision. Same with reconstruction - have you seen the breast reconstruction group?
You can also request a referral for genetic counselling if you want to understand your family history of cancers. The cancers most relevant to us are breast and ovarian in female and prostate in male relatives. Also the age at diagnosis is important. If you are going for bilateral Mastectomy anyway then you could explore a referral later?
There is a predict tool available on the web where you can plug in your details and it will give you a good idea of your risk. It’s quite useful but it’s not a full substitute for a genetic consultation.
Hope this helps lots of love Tinks xx