After double preventative mastectomy

You are so kind, aweate! Thank you for offering to help others with your valuable own experience and support!

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The Mods

WC3 - I had prophylactic, nipple sparing, BMX on 11/12. At the time of surgery PS put in 250cc each side, which gave some volume but not what I was originally. At just over two weeks I had 50cc each side, which made me look about the same size I have always been, and then at 3 weeks (last week) had another 50 each side, so now I am a little fuller. PS said 50cc is only about the size of a shot glass, but depending on your chest wall size, it might show up more on some than others. Also, I think a lot of it goes to the bottom and sides (gravity effect on the saline) so there's not much projection, and since my TEs are 13 centimeters wide and built to hold up to 500 cc, it takes awhile to get enough saline in there to fill up the expander so it can start to project. I'm planning to only have 50 more each side this week, and then be done. Since I was only a B cup before I decided to go ahead and go a little bigger, and I think this (400cc) will get me there. Hope to have exchange surgery in Feb. I bet after your next fill you will notice difference.

I want to add a word about warning signs and prophylactic MX. Over this past year I had several abnormal USs & MRIs that showed atypical and abnormal changes going on in both breasts. I was so lucky to have dr.s who pursued questionable areas with more diagnostic tests, which then showed these issue areas, and I made the choice to be proactive and remove the problem before it became cancer, and it really wasn't a difficult choice at all. I am able to avoid cancer, and future treatments, including chemo, radiation, and long term drug therapy. A double mastectomy isn't fun, but it is so worth it to be freed from the worry of future breast cancer. Also, since I didn't have cancer or radiation that affected by skin or breast tissue, I was able to have nipple sparing and that good start up fill of 250 cc. Early detection is not just for finding cancer early, it's also for finding the warning signs before they become cancer!!

Hello

I had same two years ago with reconstruction. My biggest question now is, what now. What follow up should I be doing? What type of Dr do I see? I don’t see my oncologist anymore, nor plastic surgeon, nor breast surgeon. Do I just go into regular annual obgyn Dr for an annual physical.

Thank

At my post op visit with BS he told me I would have follow up with him in 3 month and then 6 months. Mine was prophylactic but had ADH, radial scars, and other atypical stuff so he wants to still follow up occasionally. Interestingly, when I asked if he would do mammogram, ultra sound, or MRI he said if something were to develop, since implants are prepectoral, anything would be felt by manual exam.

NO WAY. You are not being extreme especially due to the fact you have the Brca mutation. Angelina Jolie had her surgery at the Pink Lotus Center. They have pioneered a lymph not marking/ but not removing method that is worth learning about. I had a prophylactic dbl mastectomy and invasive cancer was found but I did not have a sentinel node biopsy done at the original surgery. Some say it cannot be done after a mastectomy. The Pink Lotus method eliminates that issue. https://pinklotus.com/powerup/breastcancer101/prophylactic-breast-dye-injection-pbdi-an-innovative-idea/

I had bilateral nipple sparing prophylactic mastectomy on 11/12 and have no regrets. I tested negative for BRCA gene mutations, but had multiple atypical biopsy results last year and decided I would be crazy to not take the opportunity to avoid developing cancer. I have recovered very well so far, have prepectoral TEs that will be exchanged for permanent silicome pre-pec implants in February, and have never regretted what I did. I was able to avoid radiation, chemotherapy, lymph node removal, and long term drug therapy. It's not a fun thing to do, but I feel so blessed I had the warnings of those biopsies and say NO to cancer. If you have any specific questions I can help you with, please let me know.

ChelseaPearl I am also 36 ( almost 37) and I am a BRCA2 gene carrier. I found the gene due to my sister who was 38 getting cancer. She had a very aggressive form and watching her and everything she went through I knew if I had the opportunity to avoid it then it was what I needed to do. It wasn’t to hard of a decision for me because I knew it was right for me. My genetic counselor told me that most insurances also cover the cost of it. Which so far as held true, will let you know if that changes. I am 16 days post op a Bilteral mastectomy with direct to implants and nipple sparring. I have had no issues as of this time ministry the usual post surgery soreness and I don’t regret my decision at all. For me decreasing my change of breast cancer to 1% was a no brainer. Hope this helps

I had a preventative double mastectomy with implants in 2012-2013, and it was the best decision ever! My mom died at age 33 and I was 2 yrs old at the time. My older sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 56 and after 14 breast biopsies and atypical ductal and lobular hyperplasia, I said take off these time bombs! My breast tissue contained LCIS everywhere! My breast surgeon felt I was just a short time away from invasive breast cancer.

I'm glad I did the surgery, as my results are beautiful and my attitude towards life is so much better! No regrets!