Prophylactic mastectomy
Hi, following lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy (clear), and radiation in 2015/16, I've been tested and am positive for BRAC2 'variant' (my doc calls it 'abnormality'); it's unknown what the risk facto...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Lozang, it's certainly confronting to hear the word mastectomy. My situation is different to yours but I hope I can offer you some support. I had triple negative cancer which is closely linked to BRCA but I was actually negative to gene mutations. I'm adopted so no family history known.
I elected to have bilateral mastectomies after my chemo last year. Yearly mammograms and ultrasound since 36 years old (47 at diagnosis) I was 10 months since last mammogram when diagnosed. I had very dense breast tissue and had DCIS and grade 3 tumour was 17mm with lymphovascular invasion.
It's a big decision to make. I had people in my orbit who'd had recurrences and also in the other breast. That really influenced me a lot. Chemo was awful, that influenced me most. I wanted to reduce the chances of me ever having to do that again. I guess I wanted to know I had done as much as possible to prevent a recurrence.
The surgery itself was much easier than I anticipated. Much easier recovery when no nodes interfered with. Some pain for the first couple of days but manageable on oral pain relief.
Good luck with your decision- we are here for you whatever you decide. Big big hugs, Bec xx
I elected to have bilateral mastectomies after my chemo last year. Yearly mammograms and ultrasound since 36 years old (47 at diagnosis) I was 10 months since last mammogram when diagnosed. I had very dense breast tissue and had DCIS and grade 3 tumour was 17mm with lymphovascular invasion.
It's a big decision to make. I had people in my orbit who'd had recurrences and also in the other breast. That really influenced me a lot. Chemo was awful, that influenced me most. I wanted to reduce the chances of me ever having to do that again. I guess I wanted to know I had done as much as possible to prevent a recurrence.
The surgery itself was much easier than I anticipated. Much easier recovery when no nodes interfered with. Some pain for the first couple of days but manageable on oral pain relief.
Good luck with your decision- we are here for you whatever you decide. Big big hugs, Bec xx