Prophylactic Masectomy

cleomoon

Hi Everyone,

I am 43 and do not have a breast cancer diagnosis. I am high risk and have had micro calcs/atypical lobular/fibroadenoma and have fibrocystic breasts. I had a US guided biopsy last fall and had my 6 month followup in April. More calcs found in Rt breast...fall ones were in Lft breast. I am scheduled for a stereo next Mon. I am sick with anxiety and have cried today. I will be on the 6 month schedule for years to come. I don't think I can go through this every 6 month stuff. I was wondering if any of you chose to have prophylactic surgeries?

I am sad to be considering this. Sad because I have not yet had a serious long term in love relationship. How will this effect my chances of having an intimate connection? How does one reveal that they have had a masectomy to a potential partner, or even to those one is dating?

Cleo

NoH8

hI CLEO. I had a phophylactic mastectomy on my left side when I had the right side.  In my opinion, I would rather have a cancer that was prevented than a cancer that was caught early. Anxiety effects your quality of life, and that in part is why I made my decision for the bilateral. I knew my life would be more peaceful with the surgery.

As far as I am concerned, any woman that has an issue with you have taken charge of your life this way isn't worth your energy. I have had relationships since my surgery in 2001 and it's never been an issue. If my potential gf told me she had a prophylactic mastectomy, I would respect her as someone who took her health seriously and was willing to make bold steps to take care of herself. As for me telling people, being a breast cancer survivor is just part of who I am. I have a few pink ribbon tattoos, which people notice so it's an easy segue into the conversation.