Anyone decide on prophylactic Mx after having UMX?

Anonymous

Anyone decide on prophylactic Mx after having UMX?

Dani444

Hello there. As you can see in my signature I had an UMX in October 2018. They were able to do direct to implant over the muscle. I went in August 2019 for my first yearly mammo of my remaining breast. They found two areas of calcifications and they biopsied one area. That came back as a sclerotic fibroadenoma. The anxiety was crushing and then waiting for the 6 months follow up on the other calcs was rough. I considered a prophylactic Mx of the left after the biopsy in August. I just wanted to wait and see if my anxiety calmed after my follow up. That was February 14 and they said the calcs are stable. My BS wants every 6 months imaging alternating MRI with mammo. I just don’t think I can handle it emotionally. I am not much of a “warrior” when it comes to the mental side of survivorship.

I just wanted to see if anyone else chose to go back later and really just talk about it with people that truly understand. My surgeon was clear that it is not medically necessary but she said it is a reasonable decision and she supports it. Thank you.

LaughingGull

Yes, I did that, and I think it is not uncommon.

When I had the initial mastectomy I was not given the option of a double mastectomy, and didn't even cross my mind. However, months after getting the first one removed, I realized that I didn't trust screening (very dense breasts and my cancer didn't show anywhere including MRI), and didn't want 20 more years of breast screening. My MO and BS and PS were very supportive. Easy surgery compared to the initial mastectomy, because the prophylactic one didn't involve axillary node dissection. Never regretted it. I feel very sorry when I read cancer veterans suffering through the anxiety of mammograms and calls back and I am glad I won't have to do that ever again.

MinusTwo

I stomped my feet and demanded a double up front. I'm so glad I did because they found all sorts of things in the "good" breast. I agree with laughing gull. How do people stand the anxiety? That said, you are under 50 and I was over 60. That likely makes you think harder.

LillyIsHere

Hi, I was suggested for lumpectomy and I asked for double mastectomy 4 months ago. Yesterday I had oophorectomy since I didn't want Lupron shots anymore and because of my type of cancer, ILC, it tends to spread in ovaries. I have asked for both surgeries in order to reduce amount of worries, tests, etc. I was only recommended for Lumpectomy and Letrozole that I am currently taking it.