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LeanneI's avatar
LeanneI
Member
13 years ago

My Sister has just had Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Hi everyone, well 2 yrs have passed since my diagnosis and treatment and now my sister (46) who has the BRCA2 Gene has had a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.  She had the surgery on Thursday, came home yesterday and is doing really well. A few weeks rest at Mums place will be just the medicine she needs!!

Was a bit wierd in the hospital on Friday, a friend of Vicki's who had BC just after me was visiting and there was Mum, and myself in the room also. Mum had a bit of a chuckle and said how the four of us in the room had trodden the same path.  We all loooked at each other and knew exactly how we all felt. Certainly is a bond that can't be broken - we all wish the bond really didn't exist but it does.

My other sister (42)- who does not have the faulty gene, will also follow in Vicki's footsteps in the coming year and also have the same surgery. 

Many call it brave - we all call it peace of mind.

We know that our breasts will not do us any harm into the future and that is the most important thing to us all.

My poor mother yet again has had to relive it all again but as I said to her, none of us will endure the trauma she went through all those years ago. Mum at 72, after surviving the disease at 36 then again at 48, is our inspiration and a shining light for all that tread the BC path.

 

3 Replies

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Leanne

    Peace of mind for your sister, you, your mum and the rest of family and loved ones is so important.

    I have only had a lumpectomy and after reading how often there is a recurrence I sometimes wonder whether I should have gone double mastectomy to give me peace of mind.  I have just finished my journey and now know I will always have that fear in the back of my mind of a recurrence.  I can assure you that it won't rule my life to the point of me stressing about it 24/7 but I think it will still be there niggling away.

    Yes your sister is brave but also sensible if she has the gene and she found it was something she needed to do to give her that peace of mind.

    Wishing her a good recovery and a BC free life.

    Mich xoxo

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Leanne

    Peace of mind for your sister, you, your mum and the rest of family and loved ones is so important.

    I have only had a lumpectomy and after reading how often there is a recurrence I sometimes wonder whether I should have gone double mastectomy to give me peace of mind.  I have just finished my journey and now know I will always have that fear in the back of my mind of a recurrence.  I can assure you that it won't rule my life to the point of me stressing about it 24/7 but I think it will still be there niggling away.

    Yes your sister is brave but also sensible if she has the gene and she found it was something she needed to do to give her that peace of mind.

    Wishing her a good recovery and a BC free life.

    Mich xoxo

  • LeanneI's avatar
    LeanneI
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks Annie - is certainly a relief to not have to look over your shoulder anymore. Everyone certainly has different feelings and reactions to situations but it has been the best outcome for myself. Don't realise how it is always with you in the back of your mind - don't have to think about it now. :-)  Just support others when they need it.

    Bye

    Leanne