Breast Cancer Support Group

I was diagnosed as of July this year with three tumors in my left breast, after consultation with my surgeon and three other doctors who I work for I decided on a bilateral mastectomy. I did not want to worry about having to go back in a couple of years and do it all again. My mastectomy was done on July 29th so I am almost a month post op. I will have to do 4 treatments of chemo every three weeks as soon as my infection on my incision site is healed. My oncologist also referred me to a radiation oncologist because when they got the final pathology results it showed scattered particles in my lymph node.

I just had my consultation this afternoon and after talking to the radiation oncologist and reviewing all my pathology results, surgery notes and labs we decided to go ahead and do 36 radiation treatments about a month after my chemo is done. He was very clear that the decision was strictly mine to make as all my results are on the cusp and right down the middle. I decided I needed to be proactive and address this all at once so I don't need to have as big of a worry in the future of it coming back and the radiation will give me a better chance of that. I really didn't want to do both but I need to be sensible about it, I also will be doing a hysterectomy at the end of the year as my oncologist says I am at a high risk for Ovarian cancer. I also have PCOS so after discussing with my GYN about the ovarian removal again it was decided to just go in and take it all so I won';t have to do it at a later date.

It is all a very personal decision that you need to get as much info on from your doctors, support groups and survivors and then make the choice that is best for you.

Whatever your decision good luck and all the best.

Although I do not have breast cancer, I am opting for a double mastectomy because of family history and I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. My best advice is to ask lots of questions, read alot about procedures and go with what feels comfortable to you. You know your body better than anyone else so whatever you decide to do, make sure you have all the information you can get. Good luck!

Ronilover,

You gave great advice and show gr4et courage in opting for a double mastectomy before any signs of cancer show up.

Those BRCA 1 and 2 mutations are definitely not the kind of news you want to hear.

I hope your prophylactic double mastectomy does the trick and keeps you cancer free.

Best to you both.

- Diane

Sue,
I did not have to have a double mastectomy, but I opted for it. No chemo, radiation or reconstructive surgery. It has been 2.5 years and I am still kickin. Life without breasts is not a picnic though. People expect women to have breasts. Many have reconstructive surgery, but only you can decide what is right for you. Breast cancer is so complicated, there is personal appearance, sexuality and so much more. Everyone has an opinion, but it is your life and only you can decide. Good luck!