Pregnancy post Double Mastectomy

Suemaree0106

Hi guys, I am a BRCA1+ carrier and am currently awaiting biopsy results for suspected DCIS.



Due to my already elevated risk and ridiculous family history I have already discussed having a DM and reconstruction however we were planning on having another baby prior to performing this, we were actually trying now until this has occurred.



Due to multiple scares and the fact I nursed my mother through her terminal breast cancer (dredging up horrible memories) I am now considering having the DM regardless of the biopsy result but still wait to fall pregnant as soon as possible after the surgery.



I am having a lot of difficulties finding any information on this topic. Obviously I wouldn't be able to breast feed but does any one know if there are any other complications that would arise from this. Both my surgeon and Dr recommend waiting until after I have had my family but haven't really explained why?



The anxiety is starting to make me a little troppo and my partner is not coping at all, our wedding is also planned for next December and we were trying to squeeze a baby in between now and then so I am literally counting months on my fingers to see whether I can make it work but ultimately I would move the wedding if it meant I could reduce my risk if getting BC and therefore the stress and still have bubs.



Any help on this topic would be greatly appreciated I am getting dead ends elsewhere!

Ariom

Hi SueMarie, an other Aussie here!

Although I don't have any answers for you, I just wanted to say hello!

I left Melbourne a year ago to live here, I was from Williamstown.

I understand your anxiety levels will be high, it is a terribly stressful time. We humans don't do fear of the unknown well:)

I would imagine, once you have the Biopsy results you'll be able to sit down with your specialist and really nut out what is going to be the best way to tackle this. If you feel you aren't getting the answers you need, you can always go for a second opinion. 

I am sure you'll have someone come along who has been in a similar position, who can advise. I was Dx with DCIS and chose to have a single mastectomy, no recon. My Mother had BC too, I looked after her after her for some years, but she passed of an unrelated illness.

I wish you all the best, and I feel for your partner, it's a lot to take on board. Try to take it a step at a time.

There is a lot of excellent information on this site. Try to navigate around it, you'll find others who have been in the same situation who will be happy to advise and support you.

It is a bit quiet on here at this time because the majority of members are in the US. There is a thread for Aussies and New Zealanders. They will welcome you in if want to touch base with them.  

Feel free to PM me if you want, or I'll see you on the boards...((((Hugs))))

farmerlucy

Sue Marie - Check out the Young with BC Forum near the bottom of the topics list. I think you'll find much of what you're looking for! Hugs!

Suemaree0106

Thankyou to you both, it is a scary time and its comforting to know that their are people out there who know what it is like. I am generally a pretty strong person who has already been through more than my fair share of difficulties in my short life, but this has my head spinning! Just so many questions and not many answers!

I will look for both the Aussie / Kiwi thread and the Young with BC.

Thanks again and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families through your own personal battles

beacon800

I think most are advised to "wait til after you have kids" as in a BRCA+ situation, it is advised to remove the ovaries.  If you are talking about the breasts only at this time, I cannot see why you would have trouble with pregnancy.

I have a bilateral and am totally normal as before.  Can do whatever and have no troubles, so I shouldn't see a problem.

See if you can avoid the sentinel node removal - there are some potential complications like lymphedema that might be more possible during a subsequent pregnancy.  I don't know if there is a lot of data on that, but you could look into it.  Breast surgery only - I doubt you would have trouble as long as you aren't pregnant while doing the surgery!