Uncertainty

I had an initial lumpectomy on the advice of the breast surgeon in October 2019.  I had chemotherapy for 3 months after that and I am on 3 weekly herceptin for HER2+ BC until September 20.   I was meant to undergo radiation in February this year, however decided to have bilateral mastectomies as I have dense breast tissues.  The surgeon told me it was overkill given the low chance of recurrence in the same or other breast.  Her advice was that even if another BC is found then it can be successfully treated and having mastectomy does not have any impact on the cancer metastising.   I had the mastectomies as I felt I would have one thing less to worry about and I also did not want to have to go through mammograms, ultrasound and maybe MRI given that I have dense breast tissue.  

I think this decision is very personal.  Initially when I asked if I could have mastectomy, the breast surgeon had said that you are very emotional as you have just been diagnosed.  Her advice was to have a lumpectomy and then if I wanted to have mastectomy later she would be happy to do the surgery.  

I am happy with my decision, however there are many other ladies who are more than happy with their decision to have the breast conservation surgery.

Thank you @Riki_BCNA, much appreciated - and will do. To be honest I was so focused on one step at a time I hadn’t thought that much of next stage of treatment, possibly because I loosely knew the plan and that was that. 

Hello @Mags44 it can be a very unsettling time moving into the next phase of treatment. I am so sorry to hear about your fathers recent diagnosis. All in all a very difficult time for you in current COVID 19 circumstances also. Please don’t hesitate to call the BCNA helpline to speak to a cancer nurse for support on 1800 500 258 Take care of you.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom @Afraser you are absolutely right. I think I am trying to control something I possibly can’t. Its also the environment and loved ones that I am thinking about which has influenced my discomfort. 

Thank you again

Dear @Mags44

It’s a lousy time for feeling sure about anything, isn’t it? Very little is normal and in addition to everything else, you have had news of your father’s diagnosis which is additionally upsetting. 
But you have been firm on your path for several months and have had time to determine how you feel about your medical team. If you are still confident in their guidance and advice, then perhaps there is no new or vital reason to change your course of action. The current climate of uncertainty may be the dominant factor, understandably, rather than any change in your diagnosis or prognosis. 
At some stage, we all have to accept that there are no absolute guarantees about safety, now perhaps more than ever before. 
I had a slightly different diagnosis, immediate surgery then chemo. My choice was a partial mastectomy but with strong recommendation to a full mastectomy. That choice still leaves the potential for cancer in the other breast, or somewhere else. 
Little by little, I think we all learn to live with the reality that nothing is certain, however well we have planned and conducted our lives. Best wishes for next week whatever you decide.