Mastectomy

midge3

In September 2011 i found out I had Inflamatory Breast Cancer Stage 4..SCARY!!!! My doctor was very aggressive with the treatment and I am tired all the time. I have chemo weekly!!.Last week I found out that the cancer is in remission, I was totally shocked. Next month I am schedule for a mastectomy, only my right breast had the cancer, but I am thinking of having them remove both. Has any one out there done that?? I just feel if it's in remission what's to say it won't come back and attack the other breast!!

momof3boys

I had a BMX in November. My particular cancer has a propensity to show up at some point in the opposite breast. Even though my left breast was clear (according to US, MRI), I opted for BMX. Did not want to undergo regular mammograms and MRI's, because of the stress associated with testing.

Also, I knew I wanted immediate reconstruction and both my BS and PS were supportive in getting the BMX for recurrence reasons and because of the difficulty in matching a "new breast" to a "43 year old breast".

I'm considered young, have 3 kids (7,9,16) and wanted to do anything possible to prevent me from going down this road again. I don't regret it one bit. I can't tell you how many nurses in the hospital came in and told me that I did the right thing.

ibcmets

Same here.  Diagnosed stage IV ibc with bone mets in 6/09.  Early 2011, my onc had me do BMX (my choice for both removed).  I also did Reconstruction with gel implants.  I've done well and now on Femara & Zometa for the bones.  Scans good.  I'm glad I had both breasts removed.  I was DD and went down to a C.  I just wear camisoles now.

Glad you did so well on chemo.  With stage IV, I think it's a good idea & practical to have both breasts removed.  You don't want to go through this again 5 years down the road.  Once is more than enough.

Best Wishes to you.

Terri

crystalphm

I had cancer in my left breast 20 months ago...and therefore had to have a mammogram/MRI on the right side every 6 months. When "something" showed up a few months ago, it dropped me..so I had a second mastectomy...no cancer showed up, but I am very glad I had the second surgery.

I never realized I was bracing for "the other shoe to drop" all the months inbetween the 2 surgeries...and I love being even on both sides now too.

Mallory107

crystalphm  how long after the first did you do the second and are you glad it worked out that way?  I just had a uni but can't stop thinkg about maybe doing the other and am considering when to do it-right now (UMX was 12/29) or wait a year until the first is settled. 

Midge-good luck on your decision.  ITs not an easy one for sure.

midge3

thanks everyone for your response. Having cancer really sucks, i have three children ages 16,15,25 and everyday I see the look in their eyes like is this going to happen again. I just want to do what's right and I really don't want to do this again any time soon.

midge3

ibcmets, you said the exact thing my husband said, why worry about this haunting you for the next few years. do both now cause if not you'll wish you did. Pretty smart and supportive man

midge3

after you had your mastectomy how long was the recovery time. When did you go back to work

ibcmets

Midge,

Other than biopsies, I never had major surgery before so MX was a big deal for me and I'm sure others.  I felt much better sleeping at home with pain pills.  Personally, I did not enjoy the hospital and was so fatigued...very difficult to get rest in a noisy place.  I was on pain pills every 6 hours for 2 weeks and they knocked me out so I got plenty of rest. 

It might be about 2 months b/4 going back to work.  I did reconstruction and had my drains for 2 weeks.  Being stage IV, you would qualify for  SS disability.  You would have to make sure you had medical or go onto expensive cobra.  My company paid my ins and became 2ndry after going on Medicare after 2 years. Most insurance may cover upto 6 months of disability. Call your HR dept to find out details.

Terri

crystalphm

Mallory, Like you, I was always thinking about my one remaining breast, 18 months were inbetween the 2 surgeries. Had nothing shown upm on the MRI, I doubt I would have just decided to have my second mastectomy, it is a huge decision, complications are always possible from surgery itself.

but since 3 places showed up that flagged on the MRI, the time was perfect, and I healed so much quicker because no lymph nodes were taken the second time. This was what I wanted, the first mastectomy where lymph nodes were removed still gives me problems.

Hope this helps!

midge3

IBCMETS, thanks for the info, i was hoping i wouldn't have to go on disability but i also can't go with out any pay. i think i might wait for reconstruction. thanks again and all the best to you.