Contralateral BC —really?

TheLadyGrey

Well I’m back. Should have taken them both off seven years ago.

Needle biopsy diagnosis of DCIS but that’s what they told me last time so I’ll wait until the final pathology report before I break out the champagne.

Anyone have any experience with this? I can’t believe this has happened again — no family history and BRCA negative. some enterprising oncologist should study me.

I’m for sure having a mastectomy. I’m wondering about reconstruction as I have no idea if I’ll need radiation. How can you know? The flap reconstruction sounds hideously painful but I don’t want to go the implant route and have a bunch of complications. I’m very much a “get it over with” kind of chick.

I’m really at a loss. Help

Moderators

LadyGrey,

We're so very sorry to hear you're back in this position, but we're glad you came back to us. We're all here for you!

Certainly, you're facing some tough decisions, but know that you have time to do research and once you have all of the pathology information, you'll know better about your treatment path and which reconstruction decisions may be better than others.

In the meantime, you can read about all types of reconstruction, including pros and cons, in the Breast Reconstruction forum.

We hope you get answers soon and we'll be right here throughout your treatment and beyond!

--The Mods

secondchancetoo

My heart goes out to you. I sure wish I had a double mastectomy the first time as well. My breast surgeon suggested it, commenting that was what " women did who didn't want to be back there". I just fobbed it off, thinking my risk was not that high for contra lateral bc, I wanted to keep my " good breast" etc. etc.

Cut to 4 years later, and the shock of my life! Having to go through that nightmare all over again. My best to you.

DebAL

Well crap. I'm really sorry both of you have to deal with this again.

My understanding is that radiation after mastectomy probably depends on if there is lymph node involvement. Most dont have family history or BRCA gene and we somehow still wind up with this disease. Remember reconstruction is optional so you can choose to do nothing.

I had dense breasts so decided on both so I wouldn't have to deal with mastectomy again. However, try not to second guess your choice too much. BMX doesnt give me a pass and isnt always the answer. This disease does what it wants.

Ladygrey, keep us posted. I do hope you get to break out the champagne. Secondchances, I hope you are doing well. Take care ladies

Ingerp

LadyGrey I’m thinking that with seven years in between this is a second primary and might not be anything more than DCIS. So sorry you’re dealing with this again but you’ll get through it. Not fun, but, as you know, doable. All good thoughts your way.

Lula73

Rads depends on stage, grade, and type of cancer. You really won't know 100% for sure until final pathology. I had DIEP recon and would do it again in a heartbeat. For most ladies, the reality is far less painful than what they imagined. Pain is managed quite well with local anesthetic and pain meds. To put it in perspective for you, I was released from the hospital 3 days after surgery. I had a shower complete with washing my hair and styling it before leaving the hospital. We stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant and then we walked 2 blocks to the apartment we were staying in. I was exhausted by the time I got settled in my recliner but who wouldn't be? I was pain free that whole time and just moved cautiously and slower than normal. Took 2 pain pills on schedule at the apartment and had a nice nap. I did take it easy for the next 4-6 weeks. You're not completely debilitated during the recovery, but you are limited. Here's a link to one of the top centers in the country that does this type of surgery. Know that most ladies travel to have the surgery done and you can have the reconstruction done during the same surgery as the mastectomy. Thoroughly investigate any PS you're considering for recon including reviewing their before and after photos and make sure they are microsurgeons before making the consult appointment (most PSs are not microsurgeons and therefore cannot perform this surgery).

www.breastcenter.com

TheLadyGrey

Thanks everyone. I’m leaning toward the flap surgery — it feels like the best way to prepare for the worst outcome, and I’m getting used to that idea.

I feel ashamed at my hubris 7 years ago. I was 100% confident this would not happen to me. My world class oncologist — an advisor to this site — “guaranteed” this would not happen.

I encourage anyone who is struggling with this decision to take them both off/. They want to kill you.

wallan

Hey ladygrey:

Hugs to you. I know how you feel. I was dx with contralateral BC after 13 years from first BC dx. At that time (13 yrs ago) I had a mastectomy. I too should have had a bilateral mastectomy at the first dx. No one recommended it and I never considered it. Not once back then. I figured I was done and whats the chance of it appearing on the other side?

So the second time I had another mastectomy and full reconstruction. Last time I did not opt for reconstruction because I didn't want more surgery et al. This time, I am glad I did it.

It is a shock to the system (I found it very difficult, if not more difficult emotionally the second time) but I am recovering now. Its been 2 years as of March 8th for my second mastectomy. I am taking Arimidex. I did not need chemo or rads second time around.

I wish the best for you.

wallan