What to expect?

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KCA2018
KCA2018 Member Posts: 4
edited April 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi all,

I just posted this on newly diagnosed and thought I’d do the same post here..

Just joined BCO and I'm a newbie (50 yrs young) so please be gentle.. hahaha-

Anyway back in March I was diagnosed with IDC and DCIS in my right breast. ER and PR positive, HER -, stage 1 - all good signs the doctors tell me. Biopsy said 1.7 cm long. After both breast MRI, found something on the left,had a mri biopsy and came back with atypical cells. Original plan is double lumpectomy.. after discussion with my aunt, found out that my fathers side of the family has a bunch of different types of cancer. His mother had breast cancer in her late 60's and died of lung cancer.

A 3rd cousin was recently diagnosed with BC, and is positive for the BRCA gene. I meet with genetic counselor Tuesday to see if I should be tested.

Now if I do test and am positive, surgeon wants to do a bilateral mastectomy and remove my ovaries. Big change from the lumpectomy and radiation and hormone blocking treatment as originally thought.

Sorry- I know that was a long thread, but wanted to give all the details—. Anyway- has anyone gone thru this surgery (mastectomy and ovaries removal )and how long did it take to recover? I do not plan on getting reconstruction.

Thanks for your insights

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited April 2018

    KCA2018,

    I read your post and just wanted to offer my comments. I share some of the same characteristics as you (er/pr positive, her2 negative, originally stage 1) The differences are 1) I had a biopsy in the area of my lymph nodes that was positive for cancer, had the node dissection during my lumpectomy, and did have a cancerous node, which moved me to stage 2. But also 2) I have no female family members with a history of breast cancer-in fact, I have very few females on both sides of my family.

    I say all this because I think you will find that genomic testing (Oncotype and MammaPrint are commonly used, and how the BRCA genes are tested) will really help to shape your decision on treatment. The choice of chemotherapy, Tamoxifen, or hormone blockers will also come from the testing. If you are pre-menopausal, that is where the ovary removal comes into play.

    I think others who have had this surgical approach will offer their thoughts. But I urge you to keep reading and researching, asking questions, and get a second opinion if you can. This is a big decision and you want to be comfortable with your medical team and the plan.

    Best wishes and prayers as you move forward.


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  • KCA2018
    KCA2018 Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2018

    Hello JosieO,

    Thank you for your reply and kind words. I hope you are doing well on your journey. I have consulted with 2 surgeons and both are on the same page with the original treatment of double lumpectomy, radiation on the right, and tamoxifen. But that was before I found out about all the cancer history on my fathers side.

    I hope the genetic counselor feels I should have the test and that insurance pays for it. I have two sisters and 6 nieces that could benefit from mytest results. The waiting for the results will drive me crazy. But I will keep positive thoughts as best as I can. What a roller coaster!!

    Healing thoughts and prayers for you JosieO.




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