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Lozang's avatar
Lozang
Member
8 years ago

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 factor is, compared to the 'known' BRAC1 and 2 mutations. On the basis of this,however, plus my medical history and that of my family (sister died at 32 from BC, mother at 62 from bowel CA plus other more distant rallies, my breast surgeon has "offered" me a bilateral mastectomy.  This has shocked me somewhat, as this is the first time this has been suggested. I'm on hold at the moment about a decision, and will have another breast clinic check up in May, and another MRI in September.  I'd love to hear from anyone who has also been in this position. It's such a 'grey' area - some days I just want to get rid of the anxiety about a return of cancer (DCIS with micro invasion), and other days it seems crazy to have full-on surgery. I'm 67 years old.  
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  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi and welcome. Even though I tested negative for a gene I chose a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction  as my sister and her daughter had breast cancer. They believe we may have an as yet unidentified gene. 

    I agrred with tbe recommendation as my cancer wasn't found on a mammogram 5 weeks before finding a breadt lump and my fear was if a new primary or return occurred it might still not be visible due to breast density. For my own sanity it was an easy choice. 

    The mastectomy is fairly simple  surgery apparently. The node biospsies are tricky...but you probably won't require that. Reconstruction can involve a lot more depending on your choices. We have a breadt reconstruction group if that is something you might consider.  Kath x