Diagnosed for a 3rd time

rsg

I am a 38 years old woman from Massachusetts who has been diagnosed with BC three times (2003-DCIS, 2008-IDC and 2011-IDC).  I found out last week that the IDC has returned in the exact same spot as in 2008 (which I had a lumpectomy and radiation plus tamoxofin).  My BS is now recommending a mastectomy (possibly on both sides) but mentioned a lumpectomy (which he really did not advise). I hear a lot of stats which I have a tough time with because the chances of my case are very low in that I have been diagnosed three times in my 30's. 

Has anyone been diagnosed three times or have any suggestions about a mastecomy vs lumpectomy?  Thank you

AnnetteS

I am a bit older than you (47) and have only been diagnosed two times.  However those two times were within a couple of weeks of each other.  Stage 1 IDC in one breast and stage 2 IDC in the other (two different cancers, not one that spread).  I decided to have a bmx and was glad I did as they found a lot of DCIS that they did not know was there. 

I struggled with my decision, but in the end, I am glad that I now have a very small chance of getting a third cancer. I did have skin sparing, so there is some breast tissue connected to the skin and I could get it again, but chances are small. 

It is a very personal decision that I am so sorry you are having to make.  Gentle hugs being sent your way.