BRCA positive

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SarahSmile
SarahSmile Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer
BRCA positive
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  • SarahSmile
    SarahSmile Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2013

    I am 31 and I just found out I am BRCA positive and I am just now starting to look into getting a prophylactic mastectomy. Does anyone have advice as to whether I should go with tissue expanders and then implants vs. the "one-step" surgery? Has anyone had either surgery that has any advice for me? any advice would help as I have very little family to ask for this kind of advice. thanks!!!  

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  • DocBabs
    DocBabs Member Posts: 775
    edited May 2013

    Hi Sarah, I'm so sorry that someone your age has to even think about making this decision.If you were my daughter I'd tell you to have the mastectomy, nipple / skin saving if possible, DIEP reconstruction, bank your eggs and have your ovaries removed. I know all that surgery sounds awful but as a mother I would want you to do any and everything to try and ensure that cancer never invades your body or robs you of your life. I also know that as a mother, you have to live your life as you want. There is no easy answer. I'm also sorry that you have no family around to sort of guide you or give you support in whatever you decide . What have your doctors said?



    Barbara

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  • SarahSmile
    SarahSmile Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2013

    Thanks for replying DocBabs! My doctor is trekking me to do the 2 step surgery with the tissue expanders between the surgeries. I will be doing the skin/nipple sparing as well but I have been reading about the one step direct to implant method which is seaming "easier" as I have an 8year old little boy to take care of and having to heal from 2 separate surgeries while carrying for him isn't going to be easy. I know its for the best because I'm doing this to be sure he had a healthy mother for a long time! My mother passed away after a 10 year battle with breast cancer when I was 12 years old. I never knew what it was like to have a healthy mom and I don't my son to ever have to go through that! Anyhow thanks again for replying anyone!

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited May 2013

    Hi Sarah,

    I'm sorry you are having to go through this. I had the one step implant procedure. There are some important things to understand about it, the most important thing is finding a ps who is experienced in doing it . Also, you must be a good candidate for it. Generally, this means not wanting to be bigger than a C cup, but the determination as to whether or not you are a good candidate is made by your ps. I am very happy with my results and needed no further procedures . My ps had a lot of experience with one step implants and I think that made all the difference. Best of luck to you.

    Caryn

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2013

    I am so sorry you are here...but it's the best place to get support!

    Whichever route you choose you will need help for a while during recovery.

    I chose the BMX, TE, implants. I actually did not have the option of any type of DIEP, flap, etc. I am pleased with my results. The recovery from the exchange to implants was much quicker and easier than the initial BMX recovery.



    Keep asking questions and reading various threads here. There is a wealth of info and love on this board.

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  • SarahSmile
    SarahSmile Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2013

    Any advice as to how long I should have someone help me at home with my kiddo after each surgery, I am a single mother and I am wondering how long I should have someone stay at my home with me. my doctor us telling me I should be "ok-ish" after a week but out of work for about 2weeks since I just sit at a desk. But I figure he hasn't actually gone thru the surgery and I should get advice from someone who has! Thanks you everyone for your advise it's nice to know people care and there do many people out there willing to take time to talk to me! :-)

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  • ttkslee
    ttkslee Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2013

    I am scheduled for BMX in July.. Left side post Dx of DCIS and lumpectomy and 2rexcisions with good clean margins; only to discover I am BRCA1+ after the fact! The right side will be prophylactic. I will be having the skin sparing MX and PS said he could definitely do the nipple sparing on right side, but not definite on the left due to the cancer history. He suggested tissue expanders since I am thin. I asked about the single step implants, which he does, but he discouraged it on the side where I had the previous lumpectomies. He also said that sometimes they have a tendency to "move", which would mean more surgery. He is a well known PS, and actually involved with the "gummy" bear implant trials. I am a physical therapist and he said I could return to work in a month post op. I wish you the best.

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