Help Please!

I had to have mastectomy due to placement of what they had to remove. I did choose to do only that one side but have said, if I had to do it again, knowing what I now know, I think I would have done both sides. It has to be your choice and yes, you will be nervous when you have mammograms on the natural side. On the plus side though, you only have to deal with being uncomfortable on one side and know going in that you will have good use of your arm on the good side, although, I had no issues with my arm on the mastectomy side. I've recently had my exchange surgery and lift on the natural side, so this is the first time I've had some discomfort on both sides at the same time, and only having one side with issues is good too. Bottom line, you have to do what you feel is best for you. Good luck. I can tell you the surgery for the mastectomy is not nearly as bad as I feared it would be.

Winningsofar, thanks for that reminder. I try to keep that in my mind too, because like you, I've seen it come back other places and as you say, neither will guarantee we won't have to deal with it again and I guess truthfully, even if I had taken both, every time I went back for follow up, regardless of what kind of test they were doing, I would have the same fear. There really is no right answer, its just whatever a person feels is right for them.

Oh, and I see you have DCIS. That is the words I wanted to hear, but instead, I was told mine was invasive. So you are already a step ahead of those of us with invasive. You are going to do just great.

Hi, I am in the same scenario as you. I have decided to have a double mastectomy. I decided this for a few reasons: 1. I have already had some atypical cells on the other side so I'm just counting on the fact that there's a good chance that will turn into something and just have a feeling that the pathology may show that there is already something there. 2. I just want both sides to be the same 3. Even though I know there is reoccurrence risk even with mastectomy, I'm so tired of scans every 6 months, and I've had 7 biopsies in the last year. So I know if I keep my "good" Breast, the constant 6 month stress will continue. Before I found out that it was in multiple areas I was all ready to just do a lumpectomy, but after I found out it had to be mastectomy, I immediately had a double in mind.

Hi MrsTee, so sorry you have had to join us, but there is lots of great advice for you, from everyone here!

I am another who had high grade DCIS found in my biopsy. I was offered a Lx with Rads or a Umx with a SNB, provided there was nothing invasive found in the final pathology.

For a number of reasons, I decided to go for the Umx and SNB, I truly never considered removing my other breast and for me, taking the risk that there was no invasion, requiring more treatment, paid off.

I knew recon was not for me either, so I was another, who had a pretty easy time, when it came to the Mx surgery and recovery.

It isn't an easy decision that you have to make, but it has to be your decision, one you feel confident about. Try not to be influenced by what others think is right, for you.

I am just 2 years out from my Dx and surgery and had my 2 year checkup just 2 days ago. I must say that in the beginning, I was nervous when the appointment and testing was close and even though I have had one scare, that required another biopsy, I don't regret any of my decisions.

I wish you all the very best , with your decision making and with your recovery, let us know how you get on.

Hello and welcome! I'm sorry you find yourself here. I also had 3 tumors in my cancer breast that were far enough apart that my surgeon said mastectomy on that side was necessary. I discovered that I had dense breast tissue and 2 of those tumors weren't even found until I had the ultrasound, they didn't show up on mammo. I had already decided if one was going, two were going. Like you said, I was petrified of the other side...was it already there and not diagnosed yet? My surgeon said I'd be having MRIs in the future and I just didn't want to worry about it. I plan to reconstruct and thought maybe they would match better. It was the right decision for me but you have to do what's right for you regardless of what anyone else thinks. I hope your path becomes clear very soon. Take care of yourself.

Hi MrsTee- Good for you in getting a second opinion and having a plan in place. You should check out the January 2015 Surgery Sisters forum. My BMX is January 20th! The ladies are posting their experiences as they have surgeries. Best of luck to you!

Hi MrsTee,

I was in your same situation. The deal breaker for me was the return of my genetic testing. When I found out that I had a PTEN mutation, which give me an increased risk of bilateral cancer, I moved ahead with a BMX. It turns out they found LCIS in my right breast along with the IDC in my left breast. Positive sentinel node and down the rabbit hole of chemo I went (and still am). However, my reconstruction is going well. Getting my TEs filled is not a big deal and being a previously small-breasted woman, it's kind of fun to see them grow instantly. Kind of lovin' my insta-boobs. ;-)

Everyone here is correct - it is a personal decision that only you can make. We are all here to support whatever that is and we will help walk you through this journey.

Hugs,

Akitagirl

hey MrsTee! I was diagnosed w DCIS in Aug 2014. I had a lot to think about and was very scared. At age 19 I had benign lump removed on left side then 14 years later another lump biopsied on left side. Age 39 mammo showed irregular spots on the right side so I had biopsy. DCIS only showed on right side but because left side issues in the past I decided on BMX. Oct 1 2014 was BMX w TE. Jan 14 2015 TE exchanged for implants. I am still recovering and doing good. Everyone is different and I am sure you will make the best decision for yourself. I am praying for you!

MrsTee,

Glad that you made the decision for what type of surgery. It's a relief once the decision is made. I'll be praying for your surgery on the 28th. I have infusion that day for my Herceptin.