Second Time & they recommend rads?

scareds

I was first diagnosed in 2003; 5cm of DCIS. I had 2 lumpectomies & radiation for 6 weeks. Plus, Tamoxifen for 5 years. At the end of 5 years, my breast surgeon was congratulating me for my success---when 2 days later, I get a call from the radiologist---"come in for more images."

Fast forward several weeks, I was diagnosed with infitrating ductal carcinoma, .9cm., clean margins, ER/PR+, Her2Neu-. My Oncologist says do bilateral masectomies. My breast surgeon says just do radiation. WHEN is ENOUGH is ENOUGH with this darn thing?

 I am so frightened, but I just want to be done with this now. I am leaning towards bilaterals w/immediate reconstruction.  What do you all suggest based on all your experience?

Jellydonut

If the bilateral will give you peace of mind then that's the best decision for you.  Don't let the doctor(s) talk you into something you just don't feel is right for you.

I had the bilateral (without recon) after recurrence and I don't have any regrets.

Sorry you're having to deal with this sh*t again and surely wish you the very best.

Jelly

mke

It's your call and whatever you decide will be the right decision for you at this time.

I had a lumpectomy, rads and tamox after the 1st BC in about 1998.  8 years later another tumour in the other breast.  I was in favour of a bilateral then but the surgeon was reluctant to "remove a healthy breast" so we negotiated.  If neoadjuvant chemo allowed for a lumpectomy and rads I'd go for that and if I had to have a mastectomy,  he'd do a bilateral.  I responded spectacularly to the chemo.  I was the poster child for conservative treatment.   However, eighteen months later a tumour again in the first breast.

 I went back to the same surgeon and I said I wanted a bilateral and no reconstruction.  No arguement this time around, he said he'd give me tidy scars and he did.   My surgery was exactly one year ago today.  I surely don't regret it.  I'm 63.  If I were younger I might consider reconstruction, my oncologist says I can always change my mind - but that is unlikely. 

Once through BC is more than enough, twice is excessive and 3 times is just plain ridiculous.  It surely doesn't help that your surgeon is telling you one thing and your oncologist another.   Go with what you want.

Good luck to you.