Prophylactic Surgery - Uni or bmx

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roadrash
roadrash Member Posts: 145
edited February 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I'm still finding my way through all of this. I had ALH, ADH plus years of fibrocystic, countless microcalcifications, papillomas and papilomotosis with atypical and very dense breasts, along with family history. After 13 yrs on a tight a 6 month schedule of mammo, ultrasound and biopsy it was strongly recommended and I was in surgery 3 wks after my biopsy results and alarming MRI and mammogram.

I had a bilateral mastectomy with axillary node biopsy. There were no surprises with the lap report findings.

I'm still trying to find the words to best explain to family and friends the spot on recommendations of my medical team and my personal choice.

I'm struggling to find the best way to explain this choice. any ideas or suggestions?

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited February 2015

    Hello roadrash! Your first paragraph says it all. I am very pleased to see that there weren't any surprises in your final pathology, but I am willing to bet that after all those years of breast issues, it hasn't changed your mind, about having made that tough decision. no regrets:)

    I don't believe that anyone, who hasn't felt the fear, or experienced the brutal waiting, for tests and results can ever understand. what motivates us to make these very tough decisions. The truth be known, our decisions should not even be up for discussion, by anyone we haven't asked for an opinion, irrespective of who they are. In saying that, people will always be a bit surprised about prophy breast removal. They just don't get it.

    If you do feel the need to explain, then my suggestion would be to say that it was a very difficult decision, which was reached after much discussion with your team who recommended it and much soul searching of your own.

    I have had people tell me they'd never decide to have a breast removed. My answer to them is "I hope you're never faced with the need to make that decision."

    I wish you all the best! As if it isn't enough, that we have to make these choices, but feeling we need to explain why, really shouldn't figure into the equation.

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  • roorooep
    roorooep Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2015

    Hi Roadash,

    I believe it is true as Ariom states, unless you or someone very close to you has experienced the stress that accompanies close surveillance and multiple testing involved in breast issues they probably will never understand. While you owe no one an explanation it may be best to just tell them you were very high risk and it was recommended. I wish you the best!

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