Mastectomy without genetic test?

Papillon, it would be better for your mom to be tested first since she already has cancer. If she is positive the test can be offered to you at a greatly reduced price. You should really see a genetic counselor, because there are other familial syndromes that predispose you to breast cancer also. That way if your Mom is negative the counselor might have some other things she would want to look into.

I understand. I had a rather rare form of ovarian cancer two years ago. Both my Dad's mom & sister had colon cancer, then I was diagnosed with LCIS. Interestingly, the type ovarian cancer I had doesn't up my BC odds very much. They were actually more concerned that I have Lynch Syndrome than BRCA. I was tested for BRCA, PTEN & CHEK2 gene variants but am negative for all. You just know that in time they are going to find more genetic triggers that they don't know about yet.

Hi Ladies, I can relate to your fears. I was diagnosed with ALH and had an aunt and her daughter that both died at 45 of BC. My insurance would not pay for the brca test, but after TONS of research and much deliberation, I opted for PBMx and DIEP flap surgery. Ironically, insurance paid for the surgery.  It has been over two years and I will probably go through one more reconstruction when I lose some more weight.  I thought I was in a great place with total peace of mind, then at my very first colonoscopy they found cancerous polyps. I didn't need any treatment except close follow up.  I'm going in tomorrow for a sigmoidoscopy and we keep a close watch on it.

In reading your situations, it is so clear to me that I would do it again if given the choice. The peace of mind was worth all the struggles and scars. If you have any questions, please let me know. All my best to you... 

Hi everyone,

I too have an extensive family history of breast cancer; my mom, grandmother, aunt and my mom's two 1st cousin's (all on my mom's side) and my father's sister.  All got breast cancer in their 50's.  Treatments ranged from lumpectomy to mastectomy's and from radiation to chemo.  So far no one has died.  I have been vigulant about taking care of myself and undergoing mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI.  Yesterday I had surgery to remove intraductal papillomas.  I have had bloody discharge from my nipple for a year.  Doctor told me once he was in, he removed the ones close to the nipple, but there were periphial ones as well he removed.  I see him next week to get the pathology results. 

Pap, I completely agree with you in terms of a double mastectomy.  I am of the mind to be proactive and preventative instead of waiting to hear the 'C' word and then reacting to such with treatment.  I have already decided that if my results next week are in any way pointing towards a cancerous future, I will be requesting a double mastectomy.  My doctor is in full agreement.  Although I know this also includes removal of the ovaries.  I feel this route is much healthier for me as it is easier to recover from surgery than go through surgery followed by months of chemo and radiation. 

I'm apologizing in advance because I am not sure where to post this.



I was diagnosed again with breast again on 6/19/13 with DCIS. I had SNB on June 21,2013 and it was negative...much to my relief. I am now seeing the plastic surgeon on July 9th for consultation and will be scheduled to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.



Initially I had just had breast MRI one week prior to all this and an ultrasound, mammogram as well as ultrasound needle core biopsy was ordered. Needless to say I was petrified. When the results came back on the 19th I was a mess. I had already scheduled an appointment with my breast surgeon about having a mastectomy and the results that she gave me in the office only confirmed my decision to go ahead with this surgery.



I have been so tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop...and it did. I want to experience the freedom from worrying all the time about breast cancer. Of course I realize that it is not 100 percent, but the anxiety from all the scans, mammograms, tumor, follow up doctor appointments leaves me feeling anxious all the time. Mentally I'm tired, but feel like I'm in a good place now because I am going to do this. I have the full support from my wonderful husband and of course my breast surgeon.



I just needed to vent and also if you ladies have any opinions or suggestions I do welcome them. Thank you in advance.

Glorianna, I find it curious that in your several posts on this site over the last couple of days that you state your age as 46 in one, 47 in another and 48 in a third post. ??

Breast pathology reports from additional breast biopsies?  What type of pre-cancers?