One or Both?

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Alaina
Alaina Member Posts: 461
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
I have IDC, Stage 3b, T4, N1, M0 breast cancer in my left breast and in one axillary lymph node.

I am 39 years old, single, never married, no kids. Premenopausal (although I'm in chemopause at the moment).

I am on a 6 session regimen of TCH, after which I will have either a partial or bilateral mastectomy (right now scheduled for late August). After that, rads, reconstruction, and Tamoxifen for 5 years.

I am trying to decide if I only want to have my left breast removed or both. My right breast consistently has shown no cancerous involvement with the various scans and exams I've had.

I have been reading and hearing from various sources that my chances of recurrence are the same whether or I have the right breast removed or not. That I'm not really saving myself or reducing my probability of recurrence by taking that breast off.

I plan on reconstruction and know they can reduce and lift my right breast to match my newly reconstructed left.

I guess I just need to hear from other survivors who had to make this decision under similar circumstances and what reasoning/logic/emotions they used to make the decision.

All opinions, advice, suggestions, links to resources, are welcomed and needed!

Thanks! Alaina

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  • nelia48
    nelia48 Member Posts: 539
    edited May 2009

    Alaina, I had almost the same diagnosis as you do.  I remember saying that I wanted both breasts taken off.  When the time came and I mentioned it to my oncologist, he was so flabbergasted and surprised at me!!!!!!!  It set me back, and backed away from the idea.    Now, after 4 months of having one boob, I am so sorry that I didn't have both taken off.  My reasons????  I'm not sure I could ever go through the radiation and chemo again if it came back.  That was a horror for me!  And I feel like a freak when I look in the mirror.  Because I burned so badly with the radiation, I haven't been able to even think of wearing a bra or a false boob yet, so I feel very "noticeable" and lop sideded when I go out!  I would rather just be totally flat chested.  On the flip side, I know the surgery is a long one for both, and it would be much harder to manage afterwards.  Talk it over with your oncologist and surgeon.  They can help you out in making that decision.  Also, check with your insurance to see if it is covered.

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  • Alaina
    Alaina Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2009

    Thanks Nelia!  So many decisions! 

    What were the reasons your oncologist was so taken aback by having both removed?

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009

    I think it's a personal choice :) but I can tell you what I did.  I had a bilaterial mastectomy BUT my breast tissue is dense so my tumor never showed up in the mamogram, MRI but it showed up in the ultra-sound.  So if I had not felt it I would have never found it at the point that I did.  I decided at that point I wasn't going to deal with that again so I had both of them removed and started reconstruction.  I will not lie and there are sometimes that I wish I had just done a lumpectomy but that is because of the backpain I currently have due to the TE.  I do know that I will eventually feel better and I will be happy with my choice.  I am still going thru Chemo. so I also have nerve pain that is from taxotere so I am looking forward to healing. 

    Good Luck with you decision.  Remember whatever you decide is the right decision :)

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  • robyn33
    robyn33 Member Posts: 99
    edited May 2009

    Hi Alaina,

    I also am a fellow "stage 3'er" but didn't know it at the time I had my surgery last June.  I was under the impression that I had one tumor about 1 cm before surgery.  I made my choice to have a bilateral based on my ability to have peace after the surgery.  I took into consideration that I was 41 years old, had 3 kids at home (and a husband) that needed caring for, and I am a very accomplished "worrier."  Having a bilateral gave me some sense of security that I was doing everything I could to prevent future disaster, if just in my own mind...  It's a very personal decision and should be made with many things taken into consideration, including your willingness to assume risk (or perceived risk).

    God bless, and good luck with your remaining TCH (I had that, too) and radiation...

     Robyn

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  • Alaina
    Alaina Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2009
    Jaimieh ~ What is TE?
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  • buffy
    buffy Member Posts: 73
    edited May 2009

    I have to agree with Alaina, I too wanted peace of mind.  I had dense tissue also.  I found my lump two months after a normal mammogram, and it was cancer.  THe ultrasound also did not detect a lump, therefore, luckily, my surgeon did the biopsy.  I have no family history whatsoever and no risk factors, therefore, I really doubt a lot of things now.  I am a worrier, have 3 kids and don't want to go through all of this again, so I decided to do the bilateral/with immediate reconstruction also.  I would not have changed a thing and am happy with my results.  Good luck!  It truly is a personal one...irene

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009

    TE is Tissue Expander :)  Also known in my house as the softballs..lol...

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited May 2009

    LOL at softballs...

    My husband calls them coconuts Undecided

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