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Gerbera67's avatar
Gerbera67
Member
12 years ago

Advice please...

Hi everyone.  Am newly diagnosed (2 weeks) and have a few questions.  A routine mammogram has got me here with the details that a biopsy has found cancer cells.  A visit to the specialist didnt tell me anymore information other than I need to have the breast off.  Pathology will then tell me what I have and treatment needed.  Is this normal?  I thought I would know what type of cancer I had, aggressive or not, stage etc before surgery and not after???

Also, specialist only recommends having the one off.  When questioning him he says their is a slightly increased risk of it coming back in the 2nd breast.  I would love to hear from others who have had to make the decision of one or two off and how they came to that decision.  At this point in time i am thinking of  having both off so that I wont worry about it coming back but would love to hear what others have to say.  Thanks in advance.

 

biopsy
mammogram

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  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hello,and welcome to this great online network!! I was very similar to you.i am almost 3momths past chemo now,but when I was first diagnosed!I found the lump,had a mammogram and ultrasound,then a core biopsy,then the surgeon told me it was cancer and I needed a mastectomy.After the surgery,I was referred to my oncologist,and she had all the pathology results that they do after the mastectomy.(they send it away for detailed testing) The oncologist then discusses your treatment with you.As for having both breasts removed,it is a very personal choice.I had a right mastectomy,and if I had known then,how I feel now,I would have definitely had both breasts removed.I am very small breasted,and it wouldn't have made much difference to me.I never wanted a reconstruction,so it would have just been easier.There is a lot to take into consideration,and if you are thinking about reconstruction,there is a group on here that I think would be the best place for you to get advice from.I am sure that other ladies will come on here with their opinions also,but at the end of the day,it is you that has to make such a personal choice.All the best,and stay on this fabulous network and let us know how you are travelling.Take care.xoxoRobyn