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spot on Zoffiel , My luck referred to before was that all cancers were diagnosed after a complaint that something seemed amiss. Don't get me wrong I am not a constant visitor to the surgery, in fact tend to hold off a bit until  sleep becomes  a problem as my mind starts to worry. Keep listening and take action ,that test  will hopefully be negative but if it isn't your one step ahead. 

I had both breasts removed as my cancer wasn't visible on a mammogram and with my family history my surgeon sugested it. I had reconstruction at same time.

I miss my boobs but not the fear.

Hi @Nan. Like @onemargie I am following my gut and having the other breast removed. My mother had BC when she was my age and my sister died from it less than two years ago. My re-excision revealed a 4cm area of busy DCIS that was invisible on all the other scans I'd had. Occult cells they call them. I'd never trust any scan & can't afford MRIs. I know I can't live like that, I'm only 51 and have four kids to launch into the world. The strain would be ruinous to my mental health. We are all different, know yourself and trust your gut. Best wishes and congrats on having great-grandchildren! K

Thanks for that. Reading some of the posts I truly realise how fortunate I have been in that all 4 cancers (in different place )over the years have abeen diagnosed by tests or signs from my body to my brain that something was wrong.,hence the comment of the luckiest unlucky one. To all you girls and boys out there,front your Dr. when you get "the feeling" something in not right and ask for a simple test to start and if anything returns as "inconclusive" push for follow ups.that bit I learnt from experience. Thinking of you all regularly. Nan

Hi there @Nan I’m hearing you. I was diagnosed may 2016 with triple neg bc. Had 8 rounds of chemo finished in oct 2016 had the left boob off so I didn’t have to have chemo as well as radiation then when I finished chemo I took the other boob off as a preventative. Like @Afraser said everyone is different. But I trusted my gut on getting both off and have no regrets. And yes we all have that fear of recurrence somewhere else but I wanted to reduce the risk as much as possible but insaying that I had minimal issues with my surgery only a seroma to the non cancer side that needed drainage and iv antibiotics. So no hesitation for me getting the other one lopped.also means no more mammograms etc   I have to see the oncol every 3 months for th first 3 years and yes I get the shits every time I go as does my hubby as it’s a ongoing reminder  of this shitty disease. It is the gift that keeps on giving isn’t it. Trust your guts when it comes to what to do love. I had the right one off as a private patient in the public system as it wasn’t considered necessary and  only a few hundred out of pocket as well which was good. You are defiantly not alone love. Margie.  Xx

Gave up waiting on test after test so surgeon agreed, given age etc. a  prophylactic removal of R.B.I  said at the  time that if cancer showed up anywhere else would deal with it then.So glad I did. only a couple  of months later after numerous tests for unknown cause of anemia   had surgery for colon cancer. Both cancers were in the same family of pathology. No signs  in  lymph nodes.TK. Will need ongoing tests but am living with the same attitude as before.  I have to agree with my Dr's. receptionist who says I must be one of the luckiest unlucky person in town. At my  age with two new Great grandchildren  I can't spend the  rest of life worrying . Family joke that if I have anything else removed there will be noting left to bury. Love their sense of humour it keeps me going.

The worry is understandable. Have you talked with your oncologist about the risks in specific terms? My mastectomy was over 5 years ago. I discussed the option of removing the other breast some time later - in my case (and cancer is very variable, so what applies to one may not apply to another) my oncologist advised that IF I were to get another cancer (as distinct from a recurrence) it was as likely to be elsewhere in my body as in my other breast. I spent a year with a persistent seroma and related infections so I am not mad keen to have more surgery without a pretty clear benefit. I think many of us can understand the "6 month extension period".  It does diminish over time in my experience. But you are in the best position to know your own feelings, and I am sure others here will share their experiences, to help you weigh up the pros and cons. Best wishes for whatever decision you make, these are not easy.