Considering mastectomy after fibroadenoma

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ChristinaD84
ChristinaD84 Member Posts: 4
edited October 2015 in Benign Breast Conditions

In 2010 I was found positive for a BRCA2 gene mutation. I was tested because my mother and grandmother both had breast cancer at an early age. I began getting regular screenings. No big deal. Up until this last month where I had some concerns. I had pain in my right nipple that would come and go so I reached out to my doctor to be safe. She referred me to Elizabeth Wende in Rochester, New York.

I got my mammogram and they found something. I then got an ultrasound and the doctor wanted to biopsy. We did this all in the same appointment. She called me with the results the next night. Not cancer, but a large fibroadenoma. Not life threatening of course, but emotionally it killed me.


The realness of my risk factor has finally set in and I'm scared. I keep crying on and off and I can keep it out of my head. I think the right course of action for me at this point is prophylactic mastectomy and its terrifying. I'm 31 years old. I work a job that is primarily commission based and cannot afford to take time off. I also cannot afford to live in constant fear. I plan on starting counseling as soon as possible.


Have any of you had to make this tough decision? I have no one to talk to who would understand except my mom.

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited October 2015

    Haven't been in that position, but I feel for you - it's got to be tough. I just wanted to suggest, that if you scroll down the list of forums, there is one for people who have tested positive for a genetic trait, and you might be more likely to find people with experience there. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

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  • 614
    614 Member Posts: 851
    edited October 2015


    Dear Christina:

    Good luck with your decision.  I am not in your situation so I cannot give you any advice.  However, I struggle financially and I am a single parent who isn't getting child support.  I can certainly sympathize with the fact that taking time off of work is difficult and is a financial hardship. 

    All that I can say is that I would worry nonstop if I found out that I had a BRCA2 mutation.  I would have a double mastectomy as well as an oophorectomy to allay my fears.  

    However, that being said, I already have children and I do not know whether you have children or whether or not you want to have children.

    All I can say is that I have always struggled with money even though I work really hard.  However, after my cancer diagnosis, I realized that the medical expenses are exhorbitant.  I will never be ok financially.  Now, I just have to accept that this is my new normal.  I will always have medical bills and I will never earn enough money to be solvent.  In the past, my financial situation would cause me a great deal of anxiety.  Now, I feel that I am extremely lucky to be alive so I don't worry about money as much as I used to.    

    I still work 14 hour days (including my 2 and 1/2 hour commute to/from work every day) and don't get paid enough, but I now longer beat myself up regarding my finances.   

    Given your family history and your BRCA2 status, I would talk to your doctor and go for a second opinion to help you decide what is the best decision for you.  Going to a therapist will also help.  As I said before, I wouldn't be able to handle the constant worry and stress so I would take precautionary measures, but that is only me.  You have to decide what is right for you.

    Good luck and I will send you positive thoughts and hugs.

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  • ChristinaD84
    ChristinaD84 Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2015

    I have not had children. I wasnt sure if I wanted to that is why I delayed at all and having the procedure done. Now that the doctors are more concerned, and highly recommending it I find it hard to ignore. I think I will wait on the oopherectomy, though it is in my plans as well.

    I started talking to a therapist yesterday and I am waiting on some referrals for surgeons. Im just so scared. The money thing really terrifies me. I have a boyfriend who lives with me with a not so great job, four dogs, and two cats. We are a combined family, like the brady bunch. I just want to be sure I can care for everyone, during the evnt of me being out of work. The pressure is stifling.

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