Forum Discussion

loz81's avatar
loz81
Member
10 years ago

Mastectomy

Just when i thought I was getting over the hard part it seems that I am once again at a crossroad.  I have a big decision to make, whether to have a mastectomy or not.  I don't even know how one makes a decision like that and can't comprehend it.

Although I don't have the BRCA 1 or 2 gene I still have to decide whether to go ahead with the procedure or not to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.  There are pros and cons either way and at the moment i'm sitting in the middle, not leaning one way or another.

Would like to hear thoughts from women in a similar situation and how you came to your decision (whichever way you may have gone).

Who would of thought that this would one day be a decision i would have to make.

mastectomy

3 Replies

  • deh's avatar
    deh
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Loz

    Like you, I felt overwhelmed with the idea of a mascetomy. It's 5 years since mine. I chose an immediate reconstruction, too. Another big decision !

    I remember feeling very scared and going through a range of emotions when thinking about losing my breast (especially my nipple). It seemed such a major change to my whole life.Too many unknowns and "what ifs" to consider.

    It's such a deeply personal decision.

    For me, I had to work through how it might affect my self image, my lifestyle, my relationships, my work ( as a swim teacher) - and how I'd cope! I remember feeling comforted and reassured to find out the practical support and services available such as BCNA and the Cancer Connect program .

    I learned it's OK to feel vulnerable and ask for help whenever you need it. I learnt to adjust my expectations, too.

    When I discussed my options with surgeons, I asked lots of questions. If information didn't make sense to me, I kept asking questions. I learned to be more assertive.

    I'm naturally a worrier but tried to stay optimistic by focusing on my future health and happiness.This helped me weigh up risks and consequences more confidently and eventually feel some control in moving forward with my mascetomy decision.

    Hope you find all the information and support you need.

    All the best with making your decision.

    Keep in touch.

    Di

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi there Loz,

    as with Chriss, my first reaction was to lob them both off. My surgeon said he would happily do that if that was what I wanted but we needed to discuss it first. We talked about all the options I had and what sort of prognosis each treatment left me with. Mastectomy was only going to give me a 9% chance of the cancer returning rather than the 10% chance I have now. Due to other health issues, I felt my risks of complications outweighed the extra 1% so I opted for lumpectomy rather than mastectomy. My advice would be to consult the doctor further. Ask them why they would recommend a mastectomy over lumpectomy. Get as many facts as you can so that you can make an educated decision.  It's not so great having options when you don't like any of them but at least if you have all the facts you will be able to make the choice that will suit you the best. Good luck. Karen xox

  • ChrissK's avatar
    ChrissK
    Member
    10 years ago

    Loz81 the first thing I said to Dr when he told me I have BC is I want a mastectomy... It was like I wanted it out of my system and body and it was the only way I knew that would be right for me.  After 4 AC's I'm now in process of seeing PS to discuss my options.  Yes who would have thought that it would be a decision for me to make actually I didn't even think I would be one with BC as no family history.  Not looking forward to spending my 50th birthday in hospital but I guess I can celebrate with new boobies, trust me that was not one of the presents I hoped for!!!!

    Good luck with your decision xx