No mastectomy;only Tamox recommended,Shocking??

Hi Ravs,

I based my bilateral mastectomy decision on the fact that I had extensive radiation treatment (what they call a "lifetime" dose) in 1994 for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  I wouldn't have had BMX otherwise.  I would have opted for a lumpectomy.  I was not given an ooph or the option of.  My partner loves my reconstructed breasts because he loves me - he thinks what the surgeons were able to do is amazing.

I'm sure others will chime in soon with their experiences.

I hope you find some peace in your decision. 

Rav, I know what you mean saying you don't want to spoil your femininity. I don't think there is a single woman, who would want it. It is hard to come to terms with loosing breast/breasts, but most of the times we have no other option. I remember years ago before BC, I would think I'd better die, than loose a breast. How (call me anything) .of me!!!! And when I was DX, I was only praying that it was operable , so that they could remove it. And trust me, mastectomy as well as ooph was the best part in the whole thing!!!!  Of course, I miss my old  body, everybody does, but it didn't make me less attractive in my husbands eyes. Beauty lies deep skin, especially for those, who love us unconditionally...Please get a second opinion and go for the surgery. All the best.

So much depends upon details that we can't possibly know.   I notice you mention metastases in your signature line, and I'm not sure exactly what you meant by that.  I have heard of oncologists not doing surgery when their are metastases because they are more concerned with the cancer that has already left the breast.   Many people with metastases however, get mastectomes, so again, it is specific to YOUR situation

I can tell you however that although the idea of a mastectomy is fearsome, it is doable.   I'm sure throughout your treatment already, you are learning things about your marriage that has hopefully helped you feel as though a mastectomy will not negatively impact it.   In the end, however, you need think about saving your life, and follow the recommendations of the doctor you trust the most.  One thing I've learned through my experiences with breast cancer is that there's a lot I can live without.   Things that used to seem important are really of no consequence whatsoever.

After BC surgery I realized that my breasts and ovaries didn't define my femininty. It's in your heart and your head.  I still feel feminine and still a sexual being (although BC has changed it up a little bit)  My husband still looks at me with desire.  Yes mastectomy does bring issues about body image for awhile, but I believe in our soul we are always the woman we have always been. It strkes me as a little odd that there is no mastectomy with stage III breast cancer. Your cancerous breast is no longer the femininity it once was. For your sake and the sake of your husband, I would  want the cancerous cell growth removed from my femininity as a whole.  Just my humble opinion. 

Barb

I have to ask you Ravs, when you ask if its a risk going for Tamoxifen, what do you mean by that?  A risk of what?   What are you trying to accomplish with your treatments?

Josie, she did have chemo and rads, but I'm not sure what the thought process is for no surgery.  I get what you mean about not wanting to go under the knife ravs, no one does, but for me I wanted to be 100% sure there was no breast tissue left that an errent cell could get to (I had multifocal disease).  Again, EVERY situation is different in some manner, but for me I needed that peace of mind.  I've had reconstruction, and no I'm not perfect, but I'm alive 21/2 years later to be with my husband, kids and family.  To me that is what my goal was, and still is.

Take care,

Sharon