Unit or Bilateral Mastectomy: tough choose with family history

Walden1

I have a tough choice to make. I don’t have a known genetic mutation, but I have a strong family history of breast cancer (my mother, and two maternal aunts - ages 48-60). My oncologist says that there could be an genetic factor at play, with this family history, it’s just not yet been identified in research. It raises my chances of a new cancer in the other breast from 10% (average population) to 15-20% over a twenty five year period.. Not to mention I have dense, lumpy, DD breasts. Mammograms are not effective and I will need to pay for U/S and Masectomy screening if I want it because the healthcare system only offers that to genetic mutation patients. Despite the fact that both my genetic counseling report and oncologist agree MRI is warranted for future screening.

I requested a doctors conference and they felt it was not unreasonable to consider a preventative mastectomy on the “good breast”. They also said it wasn’t highly recommended or necessary. It’s a grey area. At the end of the day they said it was my choice and if I think my anxiety will make it hard to move on then it would be recommended.

Not sure what to make of the numbers they quoted me. I’m thinking I will wait to see how I feel living lop sided and then get the surgery if I’m too anxious. I’m not planning for reconstruction so it’s particularly hard to loose it. Then I think don’t be foolish, going flat will reduce your risk by 5-15%, and could save your life.

Anyone else been faced with this “grey area”. What did you do? Did you do one side at a time or both? Any regrets, or things you wish you knew?