Prophylactic Mastectomy?
 

I was diagnosed 6 years ago with stage 2, grade 3, hormone negative HER/2 +++, IDC, 4 cm. tumor, node negative breast cancer at the age of 46. The mammogram completely missed it due to the high density of my breasts.I found the lump and by that time breast conservation was not possible. I had neo-adjavant therapy and then a right mastectomy, complete response (yay!). I have not been able to move forward with reconstruction because I feel unsure about what to do with the remaining breast. I am not gene positive (even with the additional testing available now) but I do have a family history of ovarian cancer. I have yearly breast MRI's that have been clear. I am tired of having them and DON'T want to deal with breast cancer again! Any thoughts?

Re: Prophylactic Mastectomy?
 

Hi,

A family history of ovarian cancer could put you in the category of HNPCC http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1226142/

I opted for bilateral mastectomy in 2007 when we discovered the recurrence from a 2003 lumpectomy because I didn't feel like I could trust the medical exam/mammagram that had failed to detect the recurrence for 4 years. Later my BRCA test only showed a 'variant of unknown significance'. The genetic counselor and I discussed about it and I put it in the back of my head... Unitil I was informed about 2nd Brother's colon cancer a few months afterwards.

Combined with Mother's Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, I located the cluster called HNPCC that seems to explain our family cancer history (I have brain tumors besides breast cancer). So I requested for a hysterectomy/oophorectomy and was approved by the insurance company based on 'personal/family cancer history'.

I did not have reconstruction as I'd always been 'flat-chested'. All my padded bras still fit.

If you use the 'Search' button, you can find previous discussions about 'reconstruction' and 'prophylactic mastectomy'.

Re: Prophylactic Mastectomy?
 

I was diagnosed in 2003 and DCIS, her2/neu +++++++, very fast growing cancer in left breast (started with 1 tumor and by the time I had surgery I had 5. Largest one was 2cm. Node negative. I chose bilateral (right breast was prophylatic) b/c I didn't want to deal with always wondering if/when it would be in my right breast. I chose not to have reconstruction b/c it would have taken 3-5 surgeries and they would have had to use my latismas (sp?) muscles from my back so I said no thank you. I am very happy with my decision especially since in the Fall of 2004 I was diagnosed with bone mets and have been living with mets since.

Re: Prophylactic Mastectomy?
 

Re: Prophylactic Mastectomy?
 

Hi Funmom!
I felt exactly the same way, so I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with implants in July and am so pleased that I had it done. I just felt I needed to do it so that I felt in my mind that I had done everything possible. It wasn't an easy operation and took a good while to get over it, but the relief after getting them removed was immense. Hope this helps! Have a lovely Christmas, Emma xx

Re: Prophylactic Mastectomy?
 

I had bi-lateral with no reconstruction, too. I was really doubting my decision after the surgery but then the path report came back with atypical ductal hyperplasia throughout the left breast. My surgeon felt sure that I would have been back to her within 5-7 years doing this whole thing over again. Since I had major complications from both my chemo and radiation, I doubt I could handle it again at age 65 or 70. Glad I did it (but still have occasional pangs of missing having breasts - only have to look at my kids and grandkids to get over that pretty fast).