Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy

vickie1

Hi all,

4 years ago, I posted on this site (see original post) to talk about and try to make sense of my feelings about my decision to have prophylactic bilateral mastectomy . The advice and care I got from you was amazing and I later booked my surgery, which was due to take place in the January of 2009. During December of 2007, my sister had a Cardiac arrest and was later diagnosed with Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome in December 2008(she was fortunate enough to have been outside the ambulance station when she had her 1st attack and so was shocked back to a normal rhythm). This meant that my surgeon was no longer happy for me to continue with my surgery, until he was sure that I was not at risk of SADS as this too is a genetic condition.

In Decemeber 2011, I was given the all clear of SADS and so began my journey to explore my surgery. Last week it was agreed that I could begin the process again and was given a few different options, one of them being 'straight to implant' using Strattice. Still the TRAM was offered but this time, with the newer Srattice surgey and implants, I am a good candidate for implants. This pleases me as the recovery is quicker and the surgery is simpler.

I have chosen not to keep my nipples as they carry risk if I keep them. I am hoping to go in to have my surgery in September of this year. I dont want it before the long summer break, I want to be able to do stuff with my child and then have my surgery when he returns to school in September.

My concerns are still the same, especially about my boyfriend. I wish I could see what he is thinking..............or do I?? Maybe it's best not to?

Anyway, I hope and pray that nothing happens this time to delay it. I am ready for this and I do not want to put it off again.

Oh, I did discuss the genetic testing but was advised it wasn't really necessary as I am in such a high risk group anyway bacause of my family history and the ages of diagnosis. 

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can offer, especially on the relationship front.

Vickie xx 

Delilahbear

Vickie,

I am so sorry that you have had this hanging over your head for so long. I truly hope everything works out for you this time.

I had prophy BMX in 2009 and have had several surgeries but am very pleased with the outcome. I was BMX to TEs and then to implants. Had smallish implants for my frame and hated them and then had them replaced with larger ones and had areola and nipples at the same time. Later I had alloderm placed to repair torn pec muscle and now I am finished (almost 3 years out) and am quite happy and breathe easier without always having another biopsy done.

As for the relationship, I can't help much with that. My DH and I discussed everything from the beginning of my decision to have the prophy, went to every doctor appointment with me and was at all of my surgeries waiting to take me home. Guess the best advice I can give is to have open conversation early on and if boyfriend can't handle it you will know early on. It is a difficult time and the surgery can take its toll as well so you need the support and to know you have it before the surgery starts.

Good luck with all of your decisions and eventual surgery.

vickie1

Hi, Just thought I would give a little update.

I have got my date through and will be having my surgery on September 19th 2012 and I cannot wait. I cannot wait for the morning I wake up and the first thing I think of is not breast cancer!!!

I have lived in fear for so long and I am about to have that all taken away :-)

My boyfriend is being brilliant about it all too, we had a good chat and he is totally ok with it all.

I will post again after I have had the op to let you know how it is all going.