single or double masectomy

I would say with your history I would have a double.... that way you can have a sence of peace.  Just a suggestion!! GL TO YOU.... HUGGS!!

I would agree with both ladies above.  I just had a dbl on Monday, ILC on the right and proactive on the Left.  Path report came back today that I had a 11.5cm mass on the right which everyone knew about BUT... I also had a 4mm ILC mass in the left.  Mammogram, Ultrasound and CT/PET did not find this small cancer cluster.  I am so glad we werre aggressive and had both removed.  Hugs to you in the decision you make.

Just thought I posted a reply and can't find it sorry if I am repeating myself.  I have a story similar to mlv.  Saw a mass on other breast with PET scan.  It disappeared during biopsy.  When I had the double mast there was a small 6mm tumor on other breast.  Would have been going through this all again if I had not had the double mastectomy in the first place.

Hi.  I had a BMX in February due to ILC in my left breast.  My ILC was picked up in a mammogram.  It was initially thought be just breast tissue.  It took two more mammograms before I sent for a biopsy.  Then two more "lumps" were found in MRI's in the same breast.  I then decided to have a BMX as a prophylactic measure.  I'm glad I did because when my breast tissue for my right breast was sent to the lab during surgery, LCIS was found.  It was never detected in the mammograms or the MRI's. 

I agree, I would have a BMX.  I'm so glad I had a BMX.  I don't ever have to worry about cancer showing up in my breasts again or mammograms.  Plus my implants are going to look symmetrical and perky.  Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.  Hugs.

karen1956,  I two had a BMX with ILC and 5 nodes in one breast.  All imaging did not show any problem in other breast but surgery found two pre-cancers that probably would have progressed on given my dx.  This is a decision that only you can decide and you will not know what is in the other breast unless you remove it.  Hope this helps and sending you my support and prayers. We will help anyway that we can.  I am so glad your lobular was found earlier than most of us with that sneaky invasive lobular.  Good luck,LOL,gin2ca

It is true in general that having BC in one breast increases the likelihood of it occurring in the other breast, but I see many cases of this happening with IDC, so I'm not sure it happens that much more often with ILC, if any more often.

I would take your breast surgeon's advice. The fact that the original ILC tumor appears to be reactivating does not mean that your other breast is more at risk than it was before. It may just mean that the tumor is getting resistant to treatment and should be removed. Your BS knows what measures will suffice to do the job.

Mom, I highly recommend Dr. Sullivan or Dr. Delacrox at the Breast Center at NOLA or Dr. Marga Massey in Charleston, SC. I have seen examples of their work personally and on Timtam's website. You can check out www.breastcenter.com for pics and information. Do no rule them out because they are out of state. It seems as if most of their patients are from all over the country.

Best wishes no matter what,

Sue

I too had an off plan PS on Long Island.  He is Dr. Silberman in Great Neck NY.  There is a national law requiring all insurance carriers to cover all phases of breast reconstruction.  So, I too will be working with my PS on accepting what ever is the lawful amount.  Currently having alot of trouble getting the insurance to pay anything so, once I get the in plan doctors paid I will work on getting the out or plan doctors paid.  Every woman needs to make the decision that is best for them about mastectomy and rebuild.  But, for me even though I am numb and in pain i feel happyt that there will be no more breast biopsies in my life.  The stress would do me in!

I had invasive ductal and a lumpectomy scheduled when Breast MRI detected another tumor in the same breast.  It was invasive lobular so the lumpectomy became bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction.  It was the right decision for me and I haven't had a moment of regret.  I agree with Marjo!

I hesitate to post my thoughts, because it seems everyone has a personal opinion on this.  Both my breast surgeon, and oncology surgeon (2 opinions) were against removing a healthy breast.  They both said the incidence of ILC occuring in the opposite breast are overestimatedand reported the recurrence or "spread @ 3% as opposed to an IDC @1 % per year.  For me I didn't want to give up my healthy breast unless there was a darn good reason.  I find that sexually I am happy I kept it.  If and when I recurr in the other side I will deal with it then. 

On the other hand, I had a good friend who passed  away from her ILC a few months ago and she had the double mast.  She was sure the rate of spread to the contralateral breast was more like 50%, but you have to understand where she was coming from and her situation.  She chastised me often, and scared me about keeping the good girl. 

It would be interesting to see a study with real data to what the actual "spread"  (know thats not the right term)  to the contralateral breast actually is,  so we can deal with facts and not the the opinon of surgeons and oncologists with their own biases.

MM