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34 & recovering from 3rd lumpectomy in 3 years…so over it!

Hi all, I’ve been around the forums since my first BIRADS 4C biopsy back in 2019 right after I turned 30. Came back as a radial scar with ADH and a few other things. Since then, I’ve had 6-month alternating mammo/US and MRIs because I have extremely dense breasts, and I’ve had 2 more biopsies which have both resulted in surgeries.

This last one (on Tuesday) was one of the most painful things I’ve ever experienced, I almost passed out from the pain (not the surgery itself - I was out - but the wire and clip placement prior). I’m so over the constant scans, painful biopsies, and yearly surgeries at this point. Not to mention the out of pocket cost even with good insurance!

I just started nursing school in January where I’m going part-time at night and on Saturdays, while still working full-time. Still have 3 semesters to go, but I’m so close to just saying take both breasts so I can be over and done with all of this!! Sadly, though, I don’t even think I have time for the recovery haha I’ve also never been offered Tamoxifen and wonder if I should be advocating for that? So much to think about…

Anyway, just in a lot of pain and knew there would be others I could commiserate with. None of my other early-30s friends understand what I’m going through because 99% of them haven’t even had a mammogram!

I’m wishing you all health and less boob pain this summer xx

Comments

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,522

    Hi @sarbar22,

    We're so very sorry to hear all that you're going through. It must be physically and emotionally exhausting constantly worrying about your breasts and getting surgeries to keep your mind at ease. Have you considered talking to your doctors about your options as a high-risk patient? You can read more about your options on the Breast Changes Risk Factors page:

    We hope this helps, and that others come by soon who can share with their experiences.

    Gentle hugs to you,

    —The Mods

  • Hey Sarah! I'm so sorry you're going through this! I am 37 and I just went through a prophylactic double mastectomy (Aug 2022) and delayed DIEP reconstruction (Aug 2023) this year. I have ZERO regrets! But you are absolutely right. No one really truly understands what we are going through. I will say this, the relief I felt when my boobs were gone was 100% worth all the pain and complications (that's a whole other story if you're interested). But just know there is a world of support out here and an amazing community of people that are going through exactly what we are. Best wishes to you! Kristie

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,522

    @smarterthancancer, we're sorry for the reason that brings you here, but wanted to say welcome to Breastcancer.org, and thank you so much for sharing your story and supportive words. Please know that we're here for you, so let us know if you need any help at all navigating the boards or the main site!

    Again, thanks for joining and posting and we look forward to hearing more from you soon!

    The Mods