Upcoming Surgery

TwylaGirl

Hello all. I was recently diagnosed with BC. I am 38 years old, BRCA1 positive. My surgery is scheduled pretty soon, which I am thankful for, get this lump out! I have decided to do a bilateral mastectomy, since I have the gene mutation. I don't know yet what type of tumor this is, or what my treatment will be post surgery. My doctor does not want to do reconstruction up front, since he doesn't know if I will need radiation or not yet and he doesn't want to mess with the cosmetic results. He also said he is not planning on doing the skin sparing. So initially I am thinking do the bilateral mastectomy, come back 6 months to a year and do the reconstruction, skin flap, expanders, etc. I currently have breast implants, as I had a cosmetic procedure years ago. Well now as I am sitting on my decision, I am wondering if it would even be an option to take out the implant and do a lumpectomy on the cancerous side, then after treatment do the bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Has anyone else out there had this experience? Since I am 38, have two little kids, BRCA1 +, I absolutely want to reduce my risk and have the mastectomy, just trying to figure out my journey, and would love to hear from y'all.

Moderators

Hi Twylagirl, and welcome to Breastcancer.org.

We're so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but we're really glad you've found us. You're sure to find our amazing Community an incredible source of advice, information, encouragement, and support -- we're all here for you!

Others will be by shortly to welcome you and weigh in. In the meantime, please let us know if you need any help at all as you navigate our discussion boards.

Welcome again!

--The Mods

Snowflake888

hello twylagirl,

So very sorry to hear of your situation. I am BRCA2 and had a preventative bmx. I am not sure why your doctor doesn’t want to give you different options. There may be specific reasons based on size, type and placement of cancer. But I strongly recommend you get a second opinion at a respected cancer center. There are so many options where you could have your bmx completed and reconstruction completed in one surgery, or start reconstruction with expanders. There is so much good information about surgery and reconstruction that might help you on this site. Sending healing thoughts