Am I making the right choice

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Cadeb
Cadeb Member Posts: 1
edited September 2018 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

12/2005. Invasive lobular stage 1. Lumpectomy, seed and regular radiation

8/2017. Lump in other breast. Ultrasound guided biopsy - benign

2/2018. 6 month follow up ultrasound. Surgeon said it needed to come out. Lumpectomy. Now atypical lobular hyperplasia

I have decided to do a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Am I right


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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2018

    Dear Cadeb,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We are glad that you reached out for others' experiences. You may also want to check out the ILC forum including this topic on Lumpectomy versus Mastectomy. It may lead you to others with whom you can share stories. Let us know how we can be of help with your decision and your treatment. The MOds


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  • sandilee
    sandilee Member Posts: 1,843
    edited September 2018

    I'm betting that most of the comments you will receive will be in support of whatever decision feels right to you. Do your research (which it sounds like you're doing) and make a decision you can live with.

    I imagine you feel fortunate that they caught the new spot when they did. You don't mention your age, but looking at years of diligent watching and testing can be very stressful even if nothing turns up. I might make the same decision you are making, although it might be overkill. But not having to worry about recurrence is worth a lot. Good luck with your decision.

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited September 2018

    Your choice. But remember that isn't a cure but I am sure you know that you've been dealing with a long time.

    Good luck.

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited September 2018

    I agree with the two previous posters. There is no right or wrong answer. If you want a BMX then you should have one. There's some justification for it.

    If you said I just want to have a lumpectomy and radiate the other side I would tell you there is justification for that as well.

    Don't you hate it when you have to make these decisions?

    The best thing you can do is not look back and think what if. You make the decision. Then it's the right one. And if some day you need to make another decision? That will be the right one too.

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited September 2018

    Cadeb, as others have said it is a personal choice and yours alone. Are you ER+ and are you taking anti-estrogen therapy? I have ILC and my medical oncologist said not to worry too much about my LCIS and ALH; the Tamoxifen should be working to keep it from turning into cancer. But in my case I have great insurance; don't mind the regular check-ups; am grade 1, 99 percent ER+, with no family history. With a different profile I may have made a different choice.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited September 2018

    Never any guarantees. Personally - I think BMX is a reasonable plan in the face of a second cancer diagnosis. Is it the only choice? Of course not. But if it allays your fears - it's certainly an option.


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  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited September 2018

    Wise women have posted. It is your decision and requires a discussion with a doc familiar with ILC. If you had the lumpectomy on the atypical area, and there's not too much to remove, how comfortable would you be moving forward? Only you know the answer. I agree, it is not unreasonable to want to stop the watching and waiting and have a BMX. For some women, that decision is harder than for others. Best to you.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited September 2018

    YOur line of thinking is valid. I generally make a pro/con list of all options, and the best decision for me usually becomes more clear

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