Prophylactic Mastectomy
Looking for anyone with shared experience. From my 1st mammogram 15 years ago at 40, I have had issues. Multiple biopsies and lumpectomies, tons of scar tissue as a result. I have extremely dense breast tissue, complex cysts, breast disease, multiple bilateral papillomas and just recently diagnosed with LCIS. I do not have the BRCA gene or family history of breast cancer. But my breast doctor has recently presented a prophylactic mastectomy as an option. I have mostly been on a twice yearly mammogram/ultrasound and MRI monitoring plan over the years. But I am tired, both mentally and physically. I would never suggest my issues come close to what being diagnosed with actual cancer is. But the constant worrying, probing, finding, biopsies, waiting….has taken its toll. I have anxiety every time I go in and every time I go in, they find something different or something has grown or multiplied. I am now contemplating the prophylactic mastectomy. I actually have a consultation with the breast surgeon next week. Does any one have any insight? Thank you so much in advance!
Comments
-
@musicmom69, welcome to Breastcancer.org, and thank you for your post. We totally understand the exhaustion you have experienced, both mentally and physically, following all the monitoring and procedures. Hope someone chimes in soon with similar stories and support. Until you get responses from other members, here are some links that might be helpful for you to check out:
(VIDEO)
Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes next week.
Best,
The Mods
0 -
@musicmom69, I too considered a prophylactic mastectomy years ago as I had similar issues to you plus a strong family history. I don't have the BRCA gene so that may be why I didn't continue to pursue it. I did opt for a double mastectomy when I was diagnosed as I just didn't want any more breast tissue. I know I did the right thing for me, but it really is a personal choice.
0 -
I have family history and ADH but no genetic mutation. I am pursuing a mastectomy because I am tired of dealing with it all too.
0 -
Thank you for all of your feedback! I just meet with a breast surgeon and have an appointment next month with a plastic surgeon. It is a lot to consider and I’m still not sure if I’ll move forward but it helps knowing others have been here.
0 -
I am just starting this journey for the same reasons! I met with the plastic surgeon today to discuss my reconstruction options, did you go through with your surgery?
0 -
Hi😃. I’m actually going tomorrow for the first phase of my prophylactic mastectomy. I decided to do the DIEP reconstruction instead of implants. My PS is starting me with a breast reduction/lift surgery. My bilateral mastectomy is scheduled early April.
1 -
How exciting! I'm going the implant route and will have mine done in June. They also have discussed doing the breast reduction/lift prior and I'm considering it. How was that surgery for you?
0 -
Hi!! I’m a little more than a week post op from the reduction lift. It wasn’t bad. I’m still really sore but Tylenol works for the soreness and pain. It’s weird to see my “girls” smaller and lifted! I’m soooo happy I decided to do the prophylactic mastectomy!! I had a few people in my circle that thought it was too invasive for not having the Brca gene or strong family history. But I stuck to my gun thank God! The tissue that was removed in my reduction was sent to pathology. They found DCIS, AHL and LCIS in the left breast and AHL and LCIS in the right!! I was shocked by the DCIS!!! Being high risk I was getting scanned every 6 months. It goes to show scans can miss things, especially if you have extremely dense breast tissue as I have and scar tissue from multiple biopsies. So if anyone reads this and is on the fence, go with your gut!! I have my mastectomy scheduled for April 2nd!!
0 -
WOW!!!! That is amazing. Good for you for listening to your gut (and your breasts!) 😊I'm the exact same, very dense tissue with no BRCA gene, but I've had two atypical biopsies in my left breast and my Mom passed away from breast cancer last year at 75. Thank you SO much for talking about this, it really helps to reassure others. I'm glad your lift wasn't bad and I'm excited to follow your journey and hope you have the most amazing recovery!
1 -
I just read your post and realized that you had your surgery on April 2. How are you doing now? My surgery was on Jan 31. It took me a while to recover, probably a good 6 weeks to feel normal again. My sister didn't take long to recover. She didn't feel much pain due to nerve blocking. Everybody is different but we'll recover eventually. 🤗
1 -
Hi🥰. My 2nd surgery was pushed back until May 30th. My 1st one was a reduction and it took me about 6 weeks to recover. My next one will be the mastectomy. I’m glad you are doing well.🥰
1 -
Hello, so sorry that you have to wait for another two months! On the bright side, that'll give you more time to fully recover from the reduction lift. The mastectomy will probably be similar, another 6 weeks to recover, then you will be on the other side. No mammogram, no MRI. Make sure you see the surgeon few days after the surgery to make sure everything is alright and the drains are working well. One of my drains was clogged up and I had a large hematoma. But you already knew that from the first surgery. I wish you all the best. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. 🥰
0
