Newly diagnosed

Kpif83 · May 2016

Hello, hope I'm posting this in the right area. I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 3 weeks ago. I am 33 and am finding it very difficult to make a surgical decision in regards to removing this cancer. I have found this to be a very overwhelming experience.

About my cancer, I am HER2 negative, estrogen and progesterone positive. Tumor size is conflicting, but it's been measured at 1.9cm on MRI and 2.2cm on ultrasound. MRI showed my left breast to be "clean", but found another 1cm mass under the existing tumor. It was graded 3/3 on the Nottingham scale.

I've been essentially dragging my feet because it's been difficult to find support and experiences with those similar in age and circumstances. I am raising 4 young children and still quite young. I have no idea how to make this decision. So I was hoping to hear others experiences and gather info from those experiences to hopefully make mine easier.

I'm pretty confident that a lumpectomy isn't the way to go. I am highly paranoid of reoccurance and have generalized anxiety disorder and I know I could never truly be comfortable leaving my breast.

So the decision lies between a bilateral mastectomy or unilateral. I am most upset about losing the sexual purpose of my breasts. So my thought is a unilateral mastectomy and reconstruction that way I still have my "good" breast. But then that poses the question of uniformity and aging of the breasts, so basically how they look.

I would love to hear from those that are also younger and what decision they made and if they are happy with that decision or what they would have done different.

Kate

HuskerFan · May 2016

I am a little older than you, but my dr told me I wouldn't like the results of the unilateral mastectomy. I am a 36DD......I knew going into this that she was right as I'd have one nice, lifted breast and the other that would continue to age. I've decided on the BMX as I would also worry about recurrence in the unaffected breast.

Moderators · May 2016

Hi Kpif83-

Welcome to BCO! We're sorry you find yourself here, but we're glad you joined us, and hope you find the support and advice you're looking for.

The decision between a unilateral and bilateral mastectomy is a highly personal one. Many members have many, many different reasons for choosing what is right for them. Most important is deciding what fits your lifestyle and what you'll be most comfortable with. We suggest reading through our Reconstruction forum, to get an idea of what to expect after each procedure, and maybe that will help you decide which surgery would be best for you.

Best of luck, keep us posted!

The Mods

BethL · May 2016

Kate-so sorry you're going through this but you're among many who have been in your shoes. I was first diagnosed at 38, also with four kids. My youngest was 2 at this time. 10 years later was diagnosed again which was last September.

I was faced with lumpectomy and reirradiation or unilateral mastectomy. What helped me was visiting the plastic surgeon while trying to decide. He showed me pictures of his work and after a very lengthy consult, I ended op opting for s bilateral. His work was good but for me I just was untrusting of the girls. My surgeon was surprised at my decision but supported me. She mentioned nipple soaring but I opted to let them go too which was a good thing because Dcis was found in one of them. I'm going through reconstruction now, and while I hate that I've had to do this, I don't regret my decision.

This is your choice, and you'll hear other opinions. You will make the right choice for you. I do think talking with a ps first will help you.

Hang in there, give yourself time.

Beth

Newly diagnosed

Comments

Categories