Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Well, I've been reading posts for quite a few weeks now, keep thinking I should post but don't quite make it. Initial diagnosis post breast screen mammogram, call back & biopsy late May, Grade 1 invas...
Forum Discussion
Hi Bronni,
I was diagnosed July 2016 with carcinoma (L) breast with nipple involvement and chose (L) skin sparing mastectomy. Unable to save nipple but I wasn't comfortable taking the risk of lumpectomy and margins. I am big breasted DD to E and so had tissue expander. My PS favours not doing immediate implant above a B cup. I am planning on a C to D implant.
At the time I asked about a double mastectomy. Just wanted to eliminate as much risk of recurrence as possible and I'm a matter of fact, black and white thinker.
My surgeon preferred to wait on pathology, which I respected and so had just (L).
Pathology turned out Her 2 positive and grade 3 aggressive but no node involvement so straight to the big guns of chemo for 6 months plus Herceptin.
Once chemo had finished we met again and both agreed on the (R) mastectomy also which was done in April due to high risk pathology.
I have both with tissue expanders now and due for implant changeover in Sept.
I am very happy with the final decision for double mastectomy even with the delay and extra surgeries which I found not too stressful.
I just feel better insured and to be honest, I'm happy knowing that once final surgery is completed I will have a symmetrical pair.! although that is more likely with a Tram or Diep flap. I would have originally had the single mastectomy and a reduction and uplift of the remaining breast but since having the expanders, I know I prefer the lesser risk but also less differentiation in size, shape and tone..but that's just me..
It takes real strength to go through any of this with the support of your loved ones with you and even more to do it on your own but it is doable and you will surprise yourself.
It seems as though you are on a path of research and action.
I wish you all the best and if there's anything you want to know, there's a ton of differing experiences on here.
cheers,
A.
I was diagnosed July 2016 with carcinoma (L) breast with nipple involvement and chose (L) skin sparing mastectomy. Unable to save nipple but I wasn't comfortable taking the risk of lumpectomy and margins. I am big breasted DD to E and so had tissue expander. My PS favours not doing immediate implant above a B cup. I am planning on a C to D implant.
At the time I asked about a double mastectomy. Just wanted to eliminate as much risk of recurrence as possible and I'm a matter of fact, black and white thinker.
My surgeon preferred to wait on pathology, which I respected and so had just (L).
Pathology turned out Her 2 positive and grade 3 aggressive but no node involvement so straight to the big guns of chemo for 6 months plus Herceptin.
Once chemo had finished we met again and both agreed on the (R) mastectomy also which was done in April due to high risk pathology.
I have both with tissue expanders now and due for implant changeover in Sept.
I am very happy with the final decision for double mastectomy even with the delay and extra surgeries which I found not too stressful.
I just feel better insured and to be honest, I'm happy knowing that once final surgery is completed I will have a symmetrical pair.! although that is more likely with a Tram or Diep flap. I would have originally had the single mastectomy and a reduction and uplift of the remaining breast but since having the expanders, I know I prefer the lesser risk but also less differentiation in size, shape and tone..but that's just me..
It takes real strength to go through any of this with the support of your loved ones with you and even more to do it on your own but it is doable and you will surprise yourself.
It seems as though you are on a path of research and action.
I wish you all the best and if there's anything you want to know, there's a ton of differing experiences on here.
cheers,
A.