Considering mastectomy after fibroadenoma

ChristinaD84

In 2010 I was found positive for a BRCA2 gene mutation. I was tested because my mother and grandmother both had breast cancer at an early age. I began getting regular screenings. No big deal. Up until this last month where I had some concerns. I had pain in my right nipple that would come and go so I reached out to my doctor to be safe. She referred me to Elizabeth Wende in Rochester, New York.

I got my mammogram and they found something. I then got an ultrasound and the doctor wanted to biopsy. We did this all in the same appointment. She called me with the results the next night. Not cancer, but a large fibroadenoma. Not life threatening of course, but emotionally it killed me.

The realness of my risk factor has finally set in and I'm scared. I keep crying on and off and I can keep it out of my head. I think the right course of action for me at this point is prophylactic mastectomy and its terrifying. I'm 31 years old. I work a job that is primarily commission based and cannot afford to take time off. I also cannot afford to live in constant fear. I plan on starting counseling as soon as possible.

Have any of you had to make this tough decision? I have no one to talk to who would understand except my mom.