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gcarter
gcarter Member Posts: 65
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Please someone I do not have much time. I originally was going to get  a unilateral but today I am thinking of going with the bilateral. I have to call my doctor tomorro. I am so scared of the thought of going through this again. I am embarrassed to ask if this is a good decsion. I feel like all I keep doing is thinking that if I do not this could return again. The bra test is something that my insurance will not cover because I have not had family members with the disease. This seems like such a political thing. I realize the decision is mine but, I feel that I am not giving my doctor enough time and that I am afraid to find out that I will be too scared to go through all of this again.

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2009

    gcarter ~  There is no right or wrong answer to your decision.  It's only what's right for you, which may not be right for someone else.  In my case, after an MRI that assured their was no bc in my good breast, I chose a unilateral mast so that I would still have nipple sensation in one breast.  That was extremely important to me.  To other women, the fear of developing a second bc in their "good" breast and needing to go through surgery again may be more overwhelming, although I'm pretty sure my breast surgeon told me that our changes of developing bc in the other breast are similar to someone who has never had bc.  But if that fear will steal your future peace of mind, then it's a very important consideration.

    Whatever you do, I think it's important not to be rushed into a hasty decision.  Take whatever time you need (within reason) to make the right decision for you.  

    I'm so sorry you're joining us, but I'm glad you've found us, and I hope our input can help you with your decision  ~   Deanna 

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  • susanb2
    susanb2 Member Posts: 80
    edited August 2009

    I agree this is a personal decision we each have to make. I made the decision to have the bilateral and I am happy with that decision. I struggled for several weeks to make it.

    I'll ask you the question that helped me make the decision. If after you have your mastectomy and reconstruction, your mammagram shows a cancer in the other breast, how will you feel?

    There are many ways to answer and I believe that your answer will help you make the decision that is right for you.

    Don't worry about your doctor. You do what's best for you.

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  • gcarter
    gcarter Member Posts: 65
    edited September 2009

    Thanks for responding. I did the unilateral. Wednesday will be three weeks post-op. Went very well. Alot better then I expected. I am meeting with the onocolgist next week to determine the next step. My onocotype test should be in by then. I am also meeting with a genetics counsler soon, too. I want to know if I carry the braca gene. Insurance WHAT A MESS!!!. No coverage for the genetics testing. This will help me determine if I decide to do the other breast. I am not working yet. I want to and need the money but, I need to know what my team has in mind before I go back to work.

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