I'm a BRCA 2 carrier. Had DCIS the first time (2013) at 22 years old. I had a lumpectomy back then, no radiation no medication, have no idea why. Now 2017 my DCIS is back again in the same breast (the right). At first, I didn't want to have a mastectomy, but my DCIS is in different locations and I saw two surgeons and they highly recommend it, so I have no other choice. I'm not married, and after this don't if I ever will be. I still wanna keep my other healthy breast and I pray to God every day that it stays away from the devil CANCER. Would love to have the joy of breastfeeding my kids, if I end up having any, although I don't know what the future has for me. It's so hard to be forced to let go of a very precious part of your body and feminine. My concern now, I don't know if I shall get implants or not because I don't have much on my body to take from. I'm worried about implants due to the complications that so many women had in term of illness and so on. I would really appreciate if anyone of you ladies with implants or had single mastectomy and implants share their experience both negative and positive. Thank you in advance.

Hi @Hope2013 My cancer came back too. I'm a lot older than you but I know how frightening, and frustrating, it can be to find out you are not free of the disease. My heart goes out to you.Regarding marriage and tits, I've got to agree with the other ladies--keep looking for someone who is more interested in what is going on between your ears than under your shirt. I know that may sound a bit trite, but I can tell you from personal experience it is possible to not only start a relationship but to grow it into a fabulous rounded experience even when your chest looks like someone took a stack blender to it. Which mine does. I don't like it, but if that's the biggest problem I have, I can live with it and my partner has never batted an eyelid.Good luck, Marg XXX

Hey Hope, I don't have any advice re the mastectomies but as for not ever getting married, trust me if anyone's main concern in a partner is whether you have breasts or not they're not worth having!!!

Please join our breast reconstruction group. In that we have many photo stories of women with implants (including my own) and can give more first hand experience. If you can save your nipple it woukd be fantastic. I wasn't able to.

Hi @"Hope 2013" sorry to hear its come back. I was 30 when I was diagnosed earlier this year and my decision for a mastectomy was immediate as I'm a brca 1 gene carrier plus my mum passed away from BC a few years back. I immediately decided this as I didn't want to die like my mum and having already got BC at a young age and being a carrier of the gene. I was drawn to the implants straight away as I didn't want any other part of my body touched or scarred. I personally don't worry about the complications with implants. At the moment I still have my tissue expanders in and have had no trouble at all. In a few weeks I'm having my implants put in. I'm single and don't have any kids. For my personally it doesn't bother me if I can't breast feed. I'm just glad that there are reconstructive options now because being young you still want to have some kind of boobs. To be honest I thought I'd be upset about losing both my boobs but I haven't been at all. I'm really liking my new ones and they'll look even better when my implants are in. Once you join the recon group, take a look at my photos I've posted on my expanders. I hope you find a decision that yoy are happy with. Xo

I have been approved @primek thank you dear. :)

It's back again :((( | Online Network

Hope_2013
Member
8 years ago
@mum2jj Thanks Paula. Yes they do indeed feel like rocks on your chest hahaha. Can’t wait for the implants, having my first expansion next week hopefully it won’t be painful.
Will do.
Nema xxx
mum2jj
Member
8 years ago
@"Hope 2013". Glad to hear the surgery went well. I’ve heard expanders feel like rocks. The good news is the implants feel better.
Stay in touch.
Paula xxx
Hope_2013
Member
8 years ago
@lrb_03
Hi Lyn, thank you for your lovely comment I did had my surgery indeed on the 8th Jan. It all went well thank goodness. And can’t wait for those expanders to come out hahah. Will definitely check that website out. Appreciated.
Thank love
lrb_03
Member
8 years ago
Hi @"Hope 2013". Hopefully surgery is behind you and you're healing well. I just wanted to mention a website and foundation, www.pinkhope.org.au that has lots of information & support regarding options, particularly for young women with BRCA gene mutations. You might find it helpful.
Take care,
Lyn
iserbrown
Member
8 years ago
Hi! I went through the process of expanders and then changeover to implant. I didn't find it scary - it sometimes felt like a brick on my chest and they suggest Panadol before the appointment for a fill. I was fine and didn't need that................hopefully you'll find it plain sailing!
Hope_2013
Member
8 years ago
Hi @mum2jj no its all good love. I have became alot more positive about getting the mastectomy and implants now and the images during the expanders are scary, but the final outcome is worth it for sure. As for my other breast will just continue my surveillance and stick to a good diet. Many thanks. Xx Nema
socoda
Member
8 years ago
Hi @"Hope 2013", I did have a single mastectomy (skin and nipple sparing with implant) in June 2016. I do have pictures of my foob in the choosing reconstruction area and can honestly say I am incredibly happy with the outcome. I will be having a reduction on my remaining breast next year to make them even. More than happy to answer any questions you may have. I have found having the implant for me was a very positive experience as I know I would not have coped as well if I hadn't had it. All the best with your decision. Xx Cath
mum2jj
Member
8 years ago
Hi @"Hope 2013", sorry I am late to this post. I am glad you have joined choosing breast reconstruction. There are many posts to read through there but in particular the photo stories wil, be helpful for you. Just look for them in the announcement. Some of the ladies in there may have had the BRCA gene. They might be good for you to connect with. Yes some ladies have issues with implants, but there are many, many, many successful outcomes. It’s great to see the ladies helping you. I too had a recurrence and did go on and have a mastectomy. I didn’t however have the gene. You are so young and I understand you wanting to keep your other breast. It is certainly something for you to talk about with your medical team. I guess it is the risk stats etc you will need to help make your decision. If you do decide to keep your breast then it would be good to have a plan about how you will be monitored risk wise. It is such a tough thing for you to have to decide.
Snding you hugs.
Paula xx
Hope_2013
Member
8 years ago
I have been approved @primek thank you dear. :)
Hope_2013
Member
8 years ago
Hey @Cynth6 I'm sorry about your mum.
So glad for you that you are almost over this roller coaster once you get your implants in. And yes about implants vs DIEP or any other option, that was exactly what I was thinking I don't want scars all over my body. Thank you for sharing your experience, all the experiences that I read here put my mind to rest and feel good and accept the fact that I'm doing something good for myself and my health. <3