Unilateral or Bilateral

3rdGen2019

I am a 51 yo with grade 3C IBC Triple Negative in left breast only so far. I am interested in opinions from TN survivors if they think I should go ahead with a bilateral mastectomy instead of a unilateral. My Mother and Grandmother died from breast cancer, although my BRCA1 & 2 were negative. I am scheduled for surgery July 3, 2019.

Thanks for your input!

Lori

NinjaMeow

Initially I had a unilateral but during treatment I thought about having to go back for mammogram every 3 months and then a biopsy for anything that looks suspicious....I went and had the non cancer side done as well and so happy that I did. I had nipples removed and tattoos-did surgery then chemo.

Kkmay

I'm interested in hearing your opinions too. My mom is TNBC and will probably finish chemo in a month. She had a huge tumor in her left breast. Would love to hear your thoughts whether she needto have a BMX

Anonymous

My sister is triple negative and has the BRCA1 gene. She's had chemotherapy, two lumpectomy's in the same breast and her surgeon wanted her to have a third lumpectomy (then radiation). She decided to go for a second opinion: in mid July she's having a double mastectomy and her ovaries removed. No one in the family is thrilled about this but, after doing much research, I don't think she has other options. Why take a chance the cancer come back and having to go through hell-treatments and surgery again?

I wish you ladies well with your very tough decisions.

3rdGen2019

I really appreciate your input!! I have decided to have a bilateral mastectomy. My surgery date is now July 10, 2019.

Deb-Deb

I am at the same decision stage, although my BS doesn't think I qualify for a 2nd lumpectomy due to my DCIS being deep in the breast. I am leaning toward the bilateral just because I don't want to keep going through this, even though both times it has been the right breast. (Left breast looks at me like "what have I done??")

Anonymous

My sister is having her surgery on July 8. She's having both ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as well as the two breasts.

They wanted to also remove her uterus, but she said no.

She seems to be taking it well; I'm the one who is a mess. I want to cry whenever I think about it though I know in my heart of hearts that she has little choice being triple negative and BRCA1. I don't let her know that I'm so upset, though we do talk about it together.

3rdGen2019

I just wanted to do an update on this. I am extremely happy I decided to do bilateral mastectomies. I have completed 4 infusions of A/C and had my 1st Taxol infusion Monday. I do plan to do reconstruction next spring. I know my triple negative could come back in some other part of my body, but I know it will not be in the other breast. It is a tough decision, you just have to do what is best for you.

StudioGirl

Hello there!

I pushed for a double with direct to implant because I had a gut feeling it would return in my right breast. I know the research shows that metastasis to the other breast is roughly the same as to other areas, but for me it was the right call to have the double. Follow your gut, it won’t lead you wrong :-