Diagnosed Last Week- overwhelmed

DK21

I am 35 years old with 2 young children and was just diagnosed with multicentric invasive ductal carcinoma. I've been to two surgeons with very different approaches. Can anyone with a similar diagnosis share their experience? Mastectomy vs lumpectomy? Prophylactic double mastectomy? Any information would be helpful. This is all very new and hard to digest.

Thank you

DK21

thank you for responding MammaRay. I'm from CT and my children are 6 and 4.5.

Can I ask why you chose a double mastectomy after the lumpectomy? how many surgeons did you see before making a decision

Kimm992

I was the exact same age as you at diagnosis also with 2 children (2.5 and 4 months) and ALSO with multicentric IDC.

I had the genetic testing done and it came back negative so I was told that removing the healthy breast provided no benefit (there is much research that supports this).

I had a mastectomy on the effected breast because there were just too many bad spots and I felt more comfortable just removing the whole breast. My surgeon agreed.

You are just starting out and have many decisions to make with your team. Once you've decided on a plan and begin to move forward things will feel less overwhelming.

There are lots of very helpful women around here who can help answer questions as you go along.

I am 15 months out from my diagnosis...happy and healthy and feeling awesome. You will get there too!

flaviarose

I believe that if you are multicentric you are at greater risk. so you might want to consider the mastectomy vs. lumpectomy.

Pammac47

DK21

I was diagnosed multicentric IDC and have a mixed mucinous pathology result. Can't tell you what to do only tell you I chose to have both removed. Strictly my decision as wanted uniformity and didn't want to ever think of boob as ticking time bomb. Research does say only 4% likelihood will occur in other breast much more likely elsewhere and there are no guarantees. Whatever you chose it is your decision and if you push hard enough your surgeon will honor that decision. Sorry you find yourself here and wish you the best on your journey.