preventive bilateral mastectomy

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caroline21
caroline21 Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi, I was diagnosed with bc in April 04 - we have lots of family history - I was diagnosed on my sister death anni - she was diagnoised the same age as me 39 - I was wondering if any one was thinking of doing the same.

I think i am going to go ahead with it but still feel on my own - even thought my hubby is with me!

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  • juanita63
    juanita63 Member Posts: 171
    edited January 2008

    No family history but I have been thinking of doing the same thing.  I'm just tired of worrying about a recurrence.  But I don't know if insurance would cover it and if people would think I'm crazy.

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited January 2008

    Several here have done it, and covered by ins.  Your doc has to orderit and do the paperwork or write letters.

     My college roomie did it after loosing her Mom at an early age and then having 3 sisters with it and way too many biopsies on herself.

    She just became worn out and had a TRAM.

    They look great, too.

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  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 698
    edited January 2008

    It is something you have to really grill your Dr. about. Find out what he thinks your chances of recurrence is. My Dr. said it was something to think about as I had a family history.

    I thought about it and 6 months after my 1st mastectomy I had a prophylactic or preventative mastectomy.It was a hard decision but after being NED for 16 years I think it was the right decision for me....we never really know what might have been....may not have had a recurrence in that time anyway but it certainly removed the worry of mammograms and self examination.

    Yes..a lot of ppl (even my PS) thought it was a bit drastic and yes juanita, some ppl said I was crazy but I didn't rush into it and have no regrets. No doubt you will get replies on here with different opinions and thats a good thing because you need that right now while you are trying to decide whats best for you.

    Good Luck

    jezza

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  • beth1225
    beth1225 Member Posts: 1,061
    edited January 2008

    Our family history with breast cancer goes all the way back to my great-grandmother on my dad's side.  Both my dad and his mother had breast canceras well.  We all went to be tested and found out we all carry the brca2 mutation.  At that time we were given genetic counseling.  My choices ranged from close surveillance to the prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.

    I also discovered FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.  I learned quite a bit from this website here and even more in depth information at FORCE.  There are people there who have not yet been diagnosed but want to prevent it from happening.

    5 1/2 years ago I had a prophylactic bilateral oopherectomy in order to reduce my risk.  I also took Tamoxifen for 2 years to help as well.  Then this past year, I decided with my dh and doctors' help, to have the PBM.  Mine was the one-step alloderm.  Although I have had many problems afterwards with infections, I have never once doubted it to be a good decision.  This is something only you can decide. 

    If you want to talk more, please email me at

    bethpknits-pink@yahoo.com and go to FORCE, www.facingourrisk.org for more information on hereditary risk.

    Love and hugs,

    Beth

    www.youravon.com/bethcohen

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  • caroline21
    caroline21 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2008

    I am insured with BUPA in the UK and they are looking into my bc case and will let me know later in the week if they will cover - They say that if you have already had bc they may cover bpm.


    Thanks Ladies for all your replies this is very helpful.

    God Bless.

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