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.

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

The process was fairly similar for me. I found the lump, had mammagram and ultrasound. My specialist did the biopsy (to confirm tumor was cancer and also to confirm second area was DCIS) and then recommended mastectomy. I received the pathology results a week after surgery from the surgeon. Then saw medical oncologist and radiation oncologist before further treatment. Just to be clear on one point, if you were to get cancer in your other breast this would be a totally new separate cancer not a recurrence. The cancer you have now cannot move into the other breast. Once you have had breast cancer there is a slightly increased risk of having a second cancer begin in your other breast. It is very much a personal choice about whether to have a double mastectomy and depends on many factors. I thought at one stage that I should have had a double but my surgeon was very clear that I needed to begin chemo as soon as possible. Having a second mastectomy increases your chance of complications (infection, etc) and could delay chemo if you need it. Also she said that I may feel differently about it given more time, which is absolutely true. At this stage I am glad that I did not have the other breast off (I was diagnosed in May last year and finished chemo 51/2 months ago and radiation almost 4 months ago). I have been through a lot and still have about a 20% chance of recurrence. For me at the moment, I am happy to wear a breast form on my mastectomy side and continue to recover through physio and lots of exercise. I am glad I have a 'good side' to sleep on. There is a lot to consider and weigh up before making these decisions. Many people feel that they need to do it for piece of mind. I don't feel that way as my chance of recurrence is much higher than my chance of getting a new cancer in the other breast. Get lots of information before making your decision. I hope it goes well no matter what you decide. Deanne xxx

Thank you ladies....very helpful and reassuring to hear you both had a similar start to me. Yes Deanne, I think I need to do a bit more research on one or two. Do you suggest where I can find good info about it as I am deliberately not looking at Dr Google. Had a very quick look on this sight last night but didnt find any info on it. Thanks again, Donna

My situation did not allow for a lot of time to research before i had my first surgery. I figured that it was more important to treat the life threatening cancer i had than to remove a healthy breast. As my surgeon said i could always have this done at another time or in conjunction with reconstruction if i chose. I asked my oncologist to give me the statistics as a guide. It is such a difficult decision but I wanted to base my decision on facts as much as possible. The fact is for me, removing my other breast is not going to do much to improve my odds of not getting breast cancer again. I think unless you have a high risk of getting cancer in the other breast (some people do) that you really need to think about what you will achieve by a second mastectomy. Will it give you peace of mind? Will it make a difference if you want to do reconstruction? These are questions that your surgeon may be able to help with. If in doubt don't do it now. Give yourself time to research, you can always have it done later, but once you remove your breast, even the best reconstruction will never make it the same as a real breast. If only we had a crystal ball! Best wishes and take care. Deanne xxx

Advice please... | BCNA Online Network

62 Replies

Chixon
Member
12 years ago
Trying to keep 'good' thoughts. I have my double mastectomy on the 27th June...it is just the waiting that is hard...waiting for surgery and then for the Path. Results. It is such a great network to voice concerns. What great people you are..lots of luck to all. Chris. XX.
Chixon
Member
12 years ago
Trying to keep 'good' thoughts. I have my double mastectomy on the 27th June...it is just the waiting that is hard...waiting for surgery and then for the Path. Results. It is such a great network to voice concerns. What great people you are..lots of luck to all. Chris. XX.
Deanne
Member
12 years ago
An ultra sound will definitely pick up any obvious lymph node involvement, so if it did not detect any this is a good sign. However the only way to really check this is by removing the sentinel node and testing it under the microscope. Sometimes there are just a few microscopic cells there. The pathology report will detail this for you. Hope it is all good for you. Take care. Deanne xxx
Gerbera67
Member
12 years ago
I find that interesting Chris as I was not even offered an ultrasound of my lymph nodes. The surgeon just took a 'block' (whatever that is) out when they did my mastectomy and checked then. Sorry, cant really help answer that. Atleast an ultrasound is less invasive which can only be better.
Chixon
Member
12 years ago
Hi. Just wondering how conclusive an ultrasound is. Mine came up as no lymph node involvement...but can that change after my double mastectomy and pathology after surgery.?
Chixon
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Tonya. I am having good days and days when I am feeling scared ....I think it is just the waiting...waiting for the operation and then for the pathology results. I am sure I will look back on this stronger . I am blest with a loving husband and great kids and grandchildren...lots to look forward to. I am pleased that you are doing well and thankyou so much for your caring and support. Chris x
Chixon
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Tonya. I am having good days and days when I am feeling scared ....I think it is just the waiting...waiting for the operation and then for the pathology results. I am sure I will look back on this stronger . I am blest with a loving husband and great kids and grandchildren...lots to look forward to. I am pleased that you are doing well and thankyou so much for your caring and support. Chris x
TonyaM
Member
12 years ago
So sorry to hear your news-what a shock for you.I know how you feel- one minute you are well and then the next you have breast cancer.You have come to the right place here at this network.You'll get lots of support and be able to vent your fears.We try to stay brave for our family so it's good to NOT be brave here.All choices are hard but the positives about a bilateral mastectomy is you won't be lopsided,no more mammograms or worrying about the"other"breast and possibly no radiation.However,whether you have one or two breasts off,it's still hard to get your head around it.I had a mastectomy 4 years ago and I'm fine now.I just wear a prosthesis.I won't say I'm fine with it but I have adjusted. Yes,keep very busy until your op but keep blogging back here and ask any questions.Big hug,Tonya xx
TonyaM
Member
12 years ago
So sorry to hear your news-what a shock for you.I know how you feel- one minute you are well and then the next you have breast cancer.You have come to the right place here at this network.You'll get lots of support and be able to vent your fears.We try to stay brave for our family so it's good to NOT be brave here.All choices are hard but the positives about a bilateral mastectomy is you won't be lopsided,no more mammograms or worrying about the"other"breast and possibly no radiation.However,whether you have one or two breasts off,it's still hard to get your head around it.I had a mastectomy 4 years ago and I'm fine now.I just wear a prosthesis.I won't say I'm fine with it but I have adjusted. Yes,keep very busy until your op but keep blogging back here and ask any questions.Big hug,Tonya xx
Chixon
Member
12 years ago
Hi everyone. I am to have a double mastectomy in three weeks. I saw my surgeon yesterday and as I have cancerous lesions in both breasts, I have no choice. It is so overwhelming...i went for my 2nd yr. breast check feeling great and in a week I am fighting breast cancer! My darling husband and children have been so supportive, I know I have to keep busy..stay positive...but I am so scared.

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