Recently diagnosed
I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast. My surgeon has recommended a double mastectomy because of my family history of breast cancer & I have the CHEK2 gene.
I have been very emotional about losing my breasts . I have reached out to anyone I know who has had breast cancer , surgery, & treatment to gain more knowledge of what I could expect. Everyone’s experience is personal .
I had excepted that I should do the bilateral mastectomy but planned to do implant based reconstructive surgery. After I met with the plastic surgeon, it raised so much doubt in my mind. He spent quite a bit of time discussing the negative success of implants if I have to have radiation therapy. He discussed DEIP Flap reconstruction however, I am not considering this procedure. I am 60 years old and just feel like I don’t want to go through additional incisions & pain in my abdomen along with a higher risk of infection. If I were young then I would definitely consider that type of reconstruction.
I would really appreciate hearing your experiences with double mastectomy. If you chose reconstruction or not. If so, what type & your experience.
Btw: this is the first time I have reached out to any type of support group or forum.
Comments
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I am also 60, but my surgery was three years ago at 57. I had a double mastectomy without reconstruction. I learned about the various reconstruction options and none of them felt right for me. I didn't want to go through multiple surgeries, the risks of complications, and the cost. Originally I thought I would wear prostheses, but they were uncomfortable and I ended up just finding tops that flattered me and not having to mess with that. People don't even notice. I did not have radiation, but I did have chemo and targeted therapy. My MO is happy because if I do have a local recurrence it will be very easy to spot. I miss having breasts, but I made the right choice for me.
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i am 67 and had a BMX about 14 years ago. It was my second bout with breast cancer. The first time I had a lumpectomy and rads but since my local recurrence was in the same breast, they couldn’t radiate the same breast again - thus the mastectomy. And my surgeon suggested removing the other unaffected breast because I had already had bc twice before my mid 50s.
I had silicone implants and haven’t had any real problems with them. My left breast (the affected one) is very lumpy, due to the radiation I had the first time around, but this is all scar tissue, changes from radiation and the implant itself. However, I am very closely monitored via ultrasound and MRIs to ensure that’s what we’re actually feeling.It was a relief, to be honest, to be rid of them. I had my first bout with bc at 34 so lived a good 19 years worrying about them.
I hope this helps.
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Thank you for sharing your experience. I sorry that you had to go through this more than once but I am glad you are doing well now. It helps to hear what other women have experienced & that they are happy with their decision and outcome.
I considered the Goldilocks Mastectomy but after discussing this with my breast surgeon , she doesn’t think I’d be happy with the outcome because I don’t have large breast to start. She feels the implant based will be the option that works best for me since I do not want the DIEP flap reconstruction.
I am worried about the increased possibility of infection etc because they plan to do radiation on my left breast.
This is such an emotional journey & I’m only at the start of this long road ahead.0
