Mastectomy after 2nd dx in 2 years?

Sorry about the 2nd dx. I believe a BILMX would be preventive, but I assuming your first cancer was early BC since you did not receive chemo or rad.  Were you ER +? Have you taken any estrogen blocking drugs to prevent a recurrence?  I'd also wait until the path report comes back and see was doc and oncologist have to say.

I faced a similar situation. I had DCIS plus a small invasion in my right breast, had a lumpectomy, radiation, and took tamoxifen. Three years later, extensive DCIS was found in my left breast, mastectomy recommended. With my doctors' full support, I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy, to decrease chances of a third occurrence, although I realize that there's still a possibility of recurrence. I don't have the BRCA mutations, but I do have a strong family history.

It's been 3 1/2 years since my bilateral and I have not regretted my decision for one minute. I chose not to have reconstruction and have been quite happy with that choice, plus having a flat chest makes it easier to detect any recurrence very early. The surgery isn't very tough physcially (if you don't have recon), but for some women it's a big emotional adjustment, with or without recon. But the peace of mind was worth it to me.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Barbara

BreastFree.org

I also had 2 different dx. Details are in my profile. Second time I did bilateral mx. I had to do chemo and rads both times. I am BRCA2+

Me, too. I had a second primary in my "other" breast 18 months after my first mastectomy. I figured my breasts just must be very good at creating cancer, so I got another mastectomy. My docs certainly considered it preventive.

That's not to say that it can't come back in the chest wall or show up in distant organs, but I feel it's much less likely to do so now. I feel pretty confident that I've done everything I can, and that's given me more peace of mind. I miss my breasts but I've never regretted the decision.

With your family history and a second tumor, I'd opt for bilateral mastectomy.

--CindyMN

I honestly think the most awful part of this journey is at the beginning, when you don't have a treatment plan in place. I'd always have way too many what-ifs running around in my brain. Once you get the info you need and make the decisions about your battle plan, you can just kind of march along through it. <grin> But that limbo situation at the beginning is the worst, IMHO.

I don't know if you have an iPod, but having one really helped me through the process. I could listen to calming music or even angry music, if that's what I needed then. I've got one of those iPod Touch models now, so I can play games or read free e-books while I'm waiting for appts. And it plays music, too! LOL

Getting plenty of sleep and trying to eat healthy foods will give you fuel to get through this rotten time. You might also ask your doctor about a presciption for Ativan. It's an anti-anxiety drug that just kind of turns everything down a notch. It can be habit-forming so you don't want to take it all the time, but I would take it to help me sleep if necessary or before a scary procedure.

You've got every right to feel anxious. And you've got every right to take advantage of the drugs that have been created to help out with anxiety. This, too, shall pass. You'll reclaim your "normal" life eventually. But the ride's going to be bumpy the next few months!

Let us know how things are going!

--CindyMN