Preventive Mastectomy in One Week

Deep breaths as the anticipation and fears prior to surgery are far worse than the actual surgery and recovery, I am told by so many women. Actually contemplating a PBM myself and feel your agonizing pain of the whole process. I applaud your strength & determination in doing what is best for you!  With a significant family history and multiple pre-cancerous findings, it seems like a no-brainer for many women. You are in control and so empowered,,, cancer will never have you. Having full confidence in your surgical team allows for a fully informed decision making process. Sounds like you have it all by having done your own research. I wish you peace and a full smooth recovery. Best wishes and keep us posted.

I am so glad I found this site.  I have been thinking about it as well.  You, however made the decision.  I too have a high risk family history.  Mother and 4 of her sisters have had bc(9 girls in the family).  3 have BRCA2 mutations including my mom, but one tested neg for the mutation but still has bc.  It has been going around in my head about prophylactic mastectomy so I understand what you are going through.  I have a son (just turned 14) and it is all about being there.  I was just diagnosed with ADH in Feb and yes I am freaking out too. I have seen many Dr's at MD Anderson in Houston and will see my breast dr again in April and we will talk about options.  Lisa has good advice - Deep Breaths. It is a big step and I will keep you in my prayers. Keep us posted and God Bless.

I had a PBM with Alloderm and one step implants due to LCIS back in Jan 09. I have never looked back and said I wished I hadn't done it. I was so stressed out about my future with LCIS and all the testing every 6 months I felt that this was the way to go for me. But, it's not for everyone. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. So, I set my surgery date and many times wanted to change my mind but knew it was the right choice for me. Waiting is truly the worst part.

When I woke up in recovery I had such a feeling of peace that it was over. The recovery wasn't that bad. The drains are the worst part but doable. There was really no pain in the breast area. 

My path report came back saying not only that I had LCIS in the right breast which I knew about but I had a small amount in the left breast too. So, I figured I saved my self from years of stress and biospies. One year later there are days I don't even think about what I went thru. It was the best choice for me

 If any of you want to ask me any questions please feel free to PM me.

Best of luck

Hiya, Beth...! DIEP recon is difficult, but you can do it.  Everyone gets stressed before the surgery, and in my case I was so sure it was the right thing to do...until a few weeks before surgery.  I was thinking, ok am I being too radical (I already was treated with lump/rads, but I wasnt comfortable with just doing that).

I am 2.5 weeks out and now that the first week is over (hardest), I can say that I am so glad I did it.  I feel I did everything I could to keep cancer away (not a guarantee of course, but everything in my power).  I wish I could have had that choice before I ended up with cancer (no family history, no lumps, so it blindsided me).   I dont think I was being too radical...I am high risk now because I already got cancer.  So for me it was the right thing to do.

I had a PBM 1 year and 2 months ago-brca+, no cancer. Yes, the time right b4 surgery is worst. I thought maybe I wouldn't show up the morning of surgery!! But looking back, and even since I woke up from surgery, I  can tell you it is so empowering to know I will not be blindsided with cancer like my mother and sister.

you are normal. Stay busy, rehearse the reasons you are doing this, and stay on the boards. My best to you!