Prophalactic Mastectomy, am I being too extreme?

I guess there's a few parts to this. One of which is whether insurance will pay for it given your risk profile. If they won't pay for it, are you willing to pay yourself? Can you find a breast surgeon willing to do it?

I think it makes sense for you to explore and see if you can find a doctor willing to counsel you about it and do it if you decide, and to wrangle with your insurance and see whether they'll pay for it.

Maybe you've already done all that, and you're all set to go except the final decision. So I assume you know that a mastectomy greatly reduces but does not eliminate risk. In that case, I think it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. You're the one who lives in your body, you're the one who understands your risk tolerance and quality of life concerns best. The most important thing is that you make a free and informed decision that you feel good about.

MRIs do not emit ionizing radiation and do not cause cancer. However sometimes the MRIs use a gadolinium based contract agent that can cause problems in people who can't excrete is fast enough

If you feel a BMX is right for you then that is your choice but there are both pros and cons.

The pros are, you significantly refuce your risk of developing breast cancer, and if you go flat or get the right type of implants, you will not need to wear a bra.

The cons are, the risks of surgery themselves, you will lose sensation, you might not be able to reconstruct as planned, you will not be able to breast feed future children, and your partner or future partners may find the results of the surgery, a turn off.

But if you are at a significan risk for breast cancer, the cons might be worth it.

Hi Wisconsinmom88,

I don’t know if this will be any help to you but I’ll tell you the story anyway. My sister had a prophylactic BMX 20 years ago because she had cysts that her Dr.’s couldn’t agree on whether they were pre cancerous or not. After being told she could carry on but get a mammo every 3 months and do daily breast checks she decided she didn’t want to live her life like that so she had the surgery. Having just spoken to her about my situation she said she has never regretted the decision and given my situation actually reinforced her decision.

Good luck whichever way you go

Hi Wisconsinmom88,

I'm glad to hear your sister has a good genetic counselor. You would be surprised how many people get stuck with Drs. that have no clue about genetics...

I can see where your sister might think you are too extreme if your goal is ONLY to avoid the extra exams etc., but if you are worried about getting breast cancer and/or not catching it soon enough - then I don't see why your choice is extreme.

Good luck with whatever decision you make!

I am 43 and genetic testing was negative for BRCA genes but I did test positive on several partial genes for the possibility of breast cancer. My mother was dx at 49 and a grandmother in her fifties. I have very dense breast and am having biopsies formlunps and bumps. I cannot handle all the anxiety and still feel like I have any quality of life. My insurance hasn’t already approved the surgery. My problem is that do I I love the ps- I hate the OS. One the oS won’t do o the surf surgery

Glad to see your post as I am considering the same. 3 sisters, mother, and niece with BC.  I’ve taken Tamoxifen for 5 years as a preventative, and am kinda freaked out that my Dr took me off. She suggested PMX, said that insurance would pay considering the strong family history.    Weighing the pros and cons, and doing my research.  Has anyone else done this?  How did yours go?