Single or Double Masectomy

splag8

I am 44 and have been having mammograms since I was 40, I have no known family history of cancer (- but very dense and lumpy breasts). I found a lump that was not seen on my mammogram and was recently diagnosed with IDC 1A, 9mm, GR2, ER/PR+, HER-, BRAC testing came back negative. During the MRI to check both breasts they found a second suspicious spot in the same breast, the other came back clean. I am having a surgical biopsy tomorrow because the biopsy for the 2nd lump came back as ADH, (can't rule out DCIS) this spot is 1.3cm with microcalcifications. If it comes back positive for DCIS I have to have a mastectomy since they are in different parts of my breast.

I am struggling with whether to get a mastectomy or lumpectomy if it comes back negative... however the even bigger struggle for me is determining if I should remove both if I must remove the one that currently has cancer. I know that the medical field frowns on getting the double if the other one has been cleared of cancer, and my doctor has told me the very small % that studies show that it will reoccur... but I'm thinking I don't have any of the risk factors now and I still have potentially (2) cancers in different parts of my breast. I would like to know if those of you who are receiving the horrible news of a new occurrence wish they proactively removed both? I know this has a lot to do with the hormone receptor status and if you took the hormone drugs or not. Also, if you had reconstruction how happy are you with the result of having just one implant? I am within a healthy BMI range and have a 34D bra, If I need to get a mastectomy I will want to go down a size to a C-cup).

Thank you in advance for your thoughts on these crazy decisions I never dreamed I would have to be making...

KBeee

I had BMX due to many factors...extensive family history, very small breasts, young age... I have implant reconstruction, and am very happy with it. It is a very individual decision.

splag8

Hello KBee,

Thank you for your response.

My results came back that no DCIS was found - it was all ADH and removed during the excisional biopsy.

So while I still have the option of a mastectomy, I feel that since a lumpectomy is still on the table I'll go with that, (keep them until they tell me I can't).

I am not convinced by all the stats that it wont come back or I won't have a re-occurrence, but I am ok with dealing with that if and when it does.

Good luck to you, it looks like you have had quite a ride so far!

Best Wishes!

KBeee

Sounds like a very sound decision. Hoping the surgery, recovery, and any other treatment all go well.