Single or Double Mast.

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ajbenefield12
ajbenefield12 Member Posts: 23
edited February 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi, I was DX on Feb 6th. I have IDC grade 2 and they are thinking Stage 2. I am 33 years old. I have met with the breast surgeon and we are going to do a MX on the left side with reconstruction. My mom was DX with stage 4 BC 3 years ago. When I tell people what we are going to do everyone asks if I am just going to have a Bilateral MX. I have thought about it even though the right side is clean. But with my mom and my age I think it might be good. I have emailed my doctor to get her thoughts but wanted to put it out there.


TIA!

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited February 2015

    Hello :)

    I had to struggle with this myself as it was only my right breast and lymph nodes that had the cancer and my left side was clean. I decided on bilateral MX after a lot of back and forth. It's a good idea to get your doctor's input, but with my BS I found that she wouldn't really give me a definite answer on what is better. I had a nurse navigator that was a lot of help, have you been assigned one?

    This is a personal and tough decision that you are having to make. One thing I would highly suggest is that you get all the information you can about your plastic surgeon's experience with recon and ask lots of questions. If you are not sure what questions to ask look around this board.

    ((hugs))

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  • Mecsmama
    Mecsmama Member Posts: 20
    edited February 2015

    I am 38 years old and the cancer was in the right breast. I lost my mother to breast cancer when she was only 47. I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy. I did have genetic testing done and it came back positive for the CHEK2 mutation. My doctor and genetic counselor both said that this particular mutation is associated with a higher risk of a secondary breast cancer. This information and my mom's history pushed me toward getting a BMX. I wanted to reduce my recurrence risk as much as possible. If you are having genetic testing done you may want to wait to see what the results are before you make a decision. It is not an easy decision to make and I wish you the best of luck.

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  • Straitlover
    Straitlover Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2015

    If I were in your shoes, I would ask for genetic testing and a breast MRI. If they don't see anything in the other one and your testing is negative, then maybe stick w/ the uni.


    Why I chose BMX: my oldest sister died from inflammatory BC at age 49, my middle sis was diagnosed w/ IDC stage 1a at age 52, and I have an aunt on my father's side that had some kind of BC (not sure of type or age at diagnosis since I don't have contact with her). I was diagnosed in June 14 at age 49 w/ my rare low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma tumor. That kind can develop from intraductal papilomas, which is what I had removed in that same breast several months before - BC diagnosis came up in my six-month followup form that surgical biopsy). My BS had requested an MRI due to my high risk that showed findings in both breasts, so they did biopises on both sides, which found the BC on the right. It also showed intraductal papilomas on the left side. MX on the right meant no radiation and easier reconstruction, and becasue of the papiloma on the left, I decided to do both because I didn't want to go through it again. My mohter at the time was going downhill in her own cancer battle (multiple myeloma and MDS), and I was having to help take care of her, so I need it to just be over with (she passed in November). So I did the BMX in July and implant exchange in Dec.

    I am satisfied w/ my decision. They found other areas of concern in both breasts in the BMX pathology, so I am glad I went that way.

    Good luck however you go.


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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited February 2015

    yes, this is a very difficult decision.

    My reasons for bmx vs. uni or lumpectomy--

    My tumors were numerous so though I was offered a lumpectomy, it would have been a very disfigured breast remaining. My breasts were very dense also, meaning not only did my clockwork mammos show nothing, but had I kept the breasts, that means more frequent mammos/US/MRI, for the rest of my life. The punch biopsy was awful and I never ever wished to do it again.

    I just wanted peace of mind and less screening. I am ok with my decision, and have the option to reconstruct.

    Best wishes, and whatever you choose, it is right for you. It is not easy

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  • ajbenefield12
    ajbenefield12 Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2015

    Thanks Ladies! I did have an MRI and it showed nothing on the right side...I am seeing a genetic counselor tomorrow. I guess my real fear is going thru life always worrying about it...I was not offered a lumpectomy on the left side sine the mri showed 5 different areas on concern and the two they biopsied were on opposite sides. I guess there is more to think about and wait for more test results!

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