Increase in re-occurence after 5 years

Hi Desley

I was diagnosed in May 2012 with DCIS. Although it was caught early the area was large in comparison to breast size so I was advised I would need a mastectomy of my right breast. I chose to do both at the same time for many reasons. Some of the reasons include I too was relatively young at 40 married with a 4 and 8 year old. My aunty has had bc (different types) both sides at different times. I was advised by my Plastic Surgeon that he could augment the remaining breast to match. I knew then if he was happy to cut it open just for aesthetic reasons I was going to have him remove the risk. But one of the biggest reasons was I knew how terrified I would be waiting for it to return. Cancer has always been one of my biggest fears and I didn't want to lay in bed at night wondering when it was coming back to get me. Removing both breasts to me was my way of controlling the disease and how much of my life I was going to give it. For me bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction was not about loosing my breasts I felt lucky to have this choice. I understand for some this is a devastating procedure but for me it has given me peace. It isn't over yet I still have expanders due for exchange next month but I am already very happy with the results. I am a private patient in Perth WA. I do still wonder if the cancer will return even without breast tissue and I have lost both nipples which has it's downfalls. But I wonder just how much sleep I would be getting had I not chosen this path. For me there was never any hesitation I wanted them gone sooner rather than later. Everyone is different so this may not be right for you. For me it was a no brainer which makes the decision so much easier. Good luck with your decision making - always remember it is your decision and whatever you choose will be right for you. Take care Lara xx