docs in other specialties ? my decision to do PBM

eileen1955

I am TN and have come to the conclusion that I will have a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy this Fall, after I visit my beautiful new grandson in another state. A recent biopsy was negative, so I do not need to rush the surgery.  But I have made this decision over the process of a year at least.  Well before I had a suspicious finding on MRI.       I am a nurse and love science; came to this surgery conclusion after reading stats on TN ca.      In addition to other factors. High-grade. Initial cancer never showed up on mammo.   Yada, yada.  I'm sure I don't need to convince you ladies. 

I don't get into it with people. Let them think I had a lift or something.     My husband is entirely on board with this.       I was being examined by female dermatologist yesterday; I told her that at my next visit I will already have had this surgery.             Her response: "If you are not BRCA positive, then why on earth are you doing this?"                 Last week I told my brother, a neurologist.  He pretty much had the same response.    I'll give baby brother a pass b/c he probably doesn't want to think of his sister being disfigured.            He can't be a doctor 24/7.

My breast surgeon totally agrees with my plan and, no, "he's not just looking for business"     He has more than enough biz as it is.  As you all know.

The dermatologist scrunched up her face when she made her comment.  Since she is Jewish of    Ashkenazi descent, she knew a lot about preventative mastectomies for BRCA genes.        It made me feel bad.     I guess I can't expect a dermatologist to keep up on every medical topic. But I did expect her to be professional.         Any comments?   the real issue is that I should not be blown away by someone else's reaction to my decision.           Thank you, kind ladies. 

kmartin

Hi Eileen,

I too have vacillated between wanting to have the BMX or not. I sought out a very well-known breast surgeon's opinion and his recommendation was to wait until I am 5 years out from diagnosis, then do it. Reading between the lines, he wants me to wait until the risk for recurrence is lessened.

I could not tell, based on your post, how long it has been for you since your diagnosis.

Finally, I think this decision is very individual and if it is what you need to reduce your stress ~ do it! For me, I will be having the surgery during the summer of 2013.

Kathy

eileen1955

Kathy; thanks for your reply.  I am actually almost 7 yrs out from diagnosis!    You are right, it is individual and I am very stressed out worrying about catching another bc "early enough".  I am 55 and my risk goes up 1% every yr. that is not much; but 10% in 10 yrs plus the 30% risk now adds up.    Of course, it's just #-crunching. But this is my life we are talking about. 

As we all know all too well.       And I am a worrier.          

I wish you well in your journey. thanks so much.