Any regrets on a BMX?

meg2016 · May 2016

I'm making the extremely difficult decision now between a UMX and a BMX. I think I've heard and read more from people who did the single who then later went backto remove the other breast or wish they had done it the first time. But I am curious if anyone has the other perspective, wishing they'd chosen differently and kept one? Thanks!

ABeautifulSunset · May 2016

meg,

Out of fear, I had a BMX instead of only removing the diseased left breast. I thought, better to be uniform and never worry again. Well, #1 is I am stage 4 anyway, so never worry again is sort of not on the table. #2- they aren't even anyway. The radiation fibrosis on my left side causes it to look smaller and more pulled. They are actually both pretty ugly. In retrospect, since I now would LOVE to have one beautiful soft healthy breast that was real, I think I would have left it alone. Plus, lots of women now aren't even getting any mx, so...

Stefanie

sandcastle · May 2016

I, did a single Mastectomy and at the time that is what I wanted and I am glad....Liz

Jacklin · May 2016

I did a BMX on April 26 and am glad I did. Cancer was diagnosed in my left breast but the pathology showed cancer starting in the right one. I had to convince the surgeon to do the BMX, she suggested doing UMX and if I still wanted, could do the second breast at reconstruction time. I'm so glad I didn't wait. For me, the right decision was BMX.

gracie22 · May 2016

If I had not had complications, I would not have had any issues with a BMX. But I got a hospital acquired staph infection on the healthy side following one step implants which caused a lot of pain, suffering and a week in the hospital followed by another 2 weeks of daily intravenous antibiotics. And of course lost the implant, and the infected side was so damaged that I doubt a reconstruction will ever be possible (and I have become so averse to surgery and the whole shooting match since that experience that I doubt I would ever try.) I am now fine with the implant on the cancer side, however, I had months of pain/stiffness on that side which did not start until a few months post op. That seems pretty common from what I have read here. It has mainly resolved; I found that shoulder rolls several times loosened it up and PAS pain patches on shoulder, mid back and arm before bed helped, as did limiting the amount weight lifted for a few months. So no pain on implant side anymore, and i can lift anything i did pre surgery, but my range of motion is better on the flat side. Implant side feels as if a tendon is pulling in arm/shoulder with lateral or twisting movement of the arm. So for me, emotionally, I was OK with losing both breasts. They were disproportionately large, and though I enjoyed them in my youth, I was quite tired of lugging them around at 56 and the idea of much smaller, symmetrical breasts was appealing. Just wish I had bypassed that infection thing. That is unfortunately a risk of surgery.

dtad · May 2016

Hi there. I had a BMX when I could have had a UMX. My main reason was because of difficulty in screening my dense breasts. Some of the others were for symmetry and I wanted the most aggressive surgery because I knew I was going to refuse chemo and anti hormone treatment. Good luck to all....

meg2016 · May 2016

Thank you all for the feedback. This is proving to be a really difficult decision for me in this process, I appreciate all the perspectives. It helps me to hear others reasons for their choices. I don't think I will get to 100% confident that I am making the "right" decision, but trying to get to the point where its the best one I can make at this time has been harder than I expected.

muska · May 2016

Meg, there is no one size fits all answer because there are so many different and unique factors. You really need to look at your medical history (any issues with the 'healthy' breast?), age, listen to what your medical team say, how are they going to monitor you, ask them what they would do if they were in your shoes.

I had to make the same decision, opted for BMX and am glad I did. They found a very extensive LCIS in the breast I didn't have to remove.

SuC · May 2016

I had a UMX then six months later had the other side removed as I HATED being asymmetrical. I also could not cope with the stress of any more mammograms and what they might find. I am now over 2 years flat, no recon, no prostheses and no worries.

If you aren't sure - just have one side done, the other can be removed later if that is what you decide you want

Smurfette26 · May 2016

I had a UMX last October. I knew from the beginning I didn't want reconstruction. My surgeon did say he would be happy to remove my healthy breast "down the track" if that was what I wanted but he did suggest I take some time to think about it. It's a decision I still haven't made. On days when I wear my Foob for many hours and it's hot and heavy and makes me sore I think I want my other breast removed so I can live flat. But other days I'm glad I still have a natural breast especially as it's nice when being intimate with my hubby. I'm glad it's a decision I haven't rushed into. I had multi-focal ILC and it's hard to detect so I sometimes think I would have more peace of mind if I had the other breast removed but know that doesn't guarantee that we can't get breast cancer in the remaining tissue. Sigh. It's a very personal decision and I hope you are at peace with whatever you decide. Hugs Donna.

florida_jo · May 2016

Hi Meg2016, I am fresh after BMX even though I could have had a lumpectomy with radiation on one breast. My decision was quick when it came to removing both breasts, but I was not so fast with reconstruction decision. The Plastic Surgeon consultation made that decision easy as well. "One surgery and done forever" I thought and went flat. Quicker recovery with no infections, no implant failures or dissatisfaction, never again mammo. These are just some of the benefits. Having said that, I am 62, so this decision was easy. I can imagine being younger and taking chances on less radical options when one also has more energy and stamina to cope with whatever future brings. One thing for sure, some things cannot be reversed, so make a decision that you will never regret. Can't hug yet, but sending good vibes, Jo.

Reckless · May 2016

Hi Meg2016, I took a long time to make the BMX decision. I had a 2cm IDC in one breast, but I am also BRCA2+. My BS was against lumpectomy plus radiation because I have an autoimmune disease, but he was OK with UMX. I found other places willing to do lumpectomy plus radiation, but at the end went with my 1st choice. I kept having doubts about my decision up to getting anesthesia! No that it's done I do not think about it at all, only hope for successful reconstruction. I am 46 and thought that losing my breasts would be a huge deal... not so. Must have been the right decision, as I have no regrets.

KBeee · May 2016

I had BMX, but I had very small, deflated breasts which would have taken an implant to make match anything anyway, and with my family history it was a no brainer. No regrets. My mom had UMX and then had second primary in the other breast 20 years later. She had another mastectomy and finally has implants. She had very large breasts and says now her back feels so much better. She did not have reconstruction previously, so her back always hurt from being uneven. Not sure how you're built or your family history. Just throwing it out as other things to consider. There are no easy answers nad what is right for others is not necessarily right for you. Make a pro/con list of each and ultimately, go with your gut. Best wishes.

LRGO2016 · May 2016

Hi Meg2016, LRGO2016 here...

I elected to undergo prophylactic BMX two weeks ago because of extensive family cancer history and testing positive for a del BRCA1 gene. My biopsies came back cancer free but with atypical cells ....meaning I made the right choice. I was headed toward cancer, but am now likely to have completely avoided it! I have no regrets about making what I now know to be the best decision for a long and healthy life but am (of course) saddened for the loss of my natural and sensitive breasts. Knowing that my breasts had a 90% certainty of becoming cancerous, had elevated my anxiety to a point that lessened my ability to enjoy my life. Worry was eating me up. Now that the threat has been essentially removed, my relief is palpable and my joy is back!

Everyone here has or is facing tough decisions and each of us must do what we think is best. Once a decision is made, my strategy is to press ahead and try not to dwell on "what if's"... all the regrets in the world won't change the outcome, only actions can.

Whatever you decide, try to take the bull by the horns and be proactive. Seek out second opinions from other doctors if you are not at ease with or don't adequately understand your current doctor's advice. Build your database for making the best decision you can. Then act. Even if the action you choose to take is to do nothing at this time. As long as you make a decision, you are not giving in to paralysis and fear. You remain empowered when you make choices. Being willing to make any decision is good.

Once you have made your decision, don't look back or second guess your choice. Work with your doctors to achieve the best outcome possible within the confines of your decision and be prepared to adjust as needed to new circumstances or changes in your diagnosis.

I hope your journey and the decisions you make along the way lead you to your goals. And I hope you find satisfactory answers to your questions.

Here is a link to recommended resources by members of this forum. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/26

I recently learned of this thread and am actively searching it for new options that may be available to help me make the best choices I can for my own health. I hope you will find good resources in there as well! Good luck!

BTW, I'm doing great after my BMX! There IS a beautiful and happy life beyond this choice - I have no regrets!

Noni · May 2016

I opted for BMX and 8 years later I have no regrets. I was pretty certain from the get go that this is what I wanted to do. I hope you receive the same clarity.

Any regrets on a BMX?

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