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Re: Surgery choice
Hi JackieR, I’m 4 weeks post double mastectomy with reconstruction (skin sparring Tram flap). And while it’s not for the faint hearted - I don’t regret it at all! In fact I’m amazed at the relief I now feel now that it’s all over. I’m actually going back to work next week! (I’m in admin) I was diagnosed in February with a 11mm stage 1A grade 2 IDC. Pretty standard with the thoughts of just having a lumpectomy & radiation. But because I’ve already survived ovarian cancer & my father died of prostate cancer, I had genetic testing which came back positive for heterozygous ATM. That kinda made the decision to have a double mastectomy for me. If you are in Brisbane I can highly recommend my surgical team (PM me). Best of luck & regardless of your final decision - you will always find love & support here on this forum.
6 years ago Place General
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Re: I need help with my decision - does anyone have any regrets?
Thank you for responding Ladies. @Clea did you have radiation as well or did you go straight to DIEP?
6 years ago Place General
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I need help with my decision - does anyone have any regrets?
Hello Ladies, I too have joined the BC club and am struggling with decisions. I’m 46, live in Brisbane married, no kids and in Feburary 2020, I was diagnosed Left breast (8 o’clock) Stage 1A, Grad 2, 8mm IDC, no lymp nodes ER +PR+ HER2- Successful lumpectomy with clear margins performed - Yay! Its’ small & early stages…Awesome! Right? Ahh…but because I had ovarian cancer 13 years ago when I was 33 (hysterectomy and chemotherapy treatment), it was advised that I get more genetic testing done (I’m BRCA 1&2 neg), so it turns out I have heterozygous Ataxia-Telangiesctasia mutated (ATM) gene. The best answer regarding this gene is that I have a moderate increase risk of getting breast cancer (17%-60%), but does that mean I will have a continued risk after I have dealt with my current diagnosis? Sigh….so now what do I do? Do I have radiation and just get rid of what’s left of the current cancer? My BS told me that ATM could increase radiation toxicity, but the radiation oncologist says that’s rare. And then wait for it to potentially reoccur or a new cancer in the other breast Or do I have a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction? (DIEP preferably) The problem there is I’m quite fond of ‘the girls” and not sure how I will cope with the loss of sensation? Does anyone have any regrets with their decisions?
6 years ago Place General
anxiety
breast-reconstruction
diagnosis
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radiotherapy
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Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.
Breast cancer without children
Whether by choice or circumstance, navigating breast cancer without children is a unique experience that can feel unsupported or isolating. This group offers a compassionate space to connect with others who understand, share experiences, and find strength in community also living breast cancer without children.

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Re: Surgery choice

Re: I need help with my decision - does anyone have any regrets?

I need help with my decision - does anyone have any regrets?

Choosing breast reconstruction

Breast cancer without children