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Joan M · 08-02-2010, 04:21 PM

Jenny,

Sorry to hear you're facing this awful disease like many of us here. But you've come to the right place for support and information.

There's controversy over whether when diagnosed at stage 4 a mastectomy should be performed. It seems that's what you mean by not having had a "mx" (a mastectomy).

I was diagnosed at stage 2b and had a mastectomy before the bc became stage 4. But if i had been diagnosed at stage 4 I would have wanted the tumor removed from my breast, either via a lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on the surgeon's recommendation. While reconstruction is important, I think more important is to remove the tumor.

Perhaps other women on the board can give you some input on whether to have a mastectomy, as well as any other thoughts they might have. As Jackie mentioned, it's good to input your diagnosis as part of your signature. She also provided other tips for what's available on this website.

Joan

08-02-2010, 04:21 PM	#5
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Re: new here suggestions welcome Jenny, Sorry to hear you're facing this awful disease like many of us here. But you've come to the right place for support and information. There's controversy over whether when diagnosed at stage 4 a mastectomy should be performed. It seems that's what you mean by not having had a "mx" (a mastectomy). I was diagnosed at stage 2b and had a mastectomy before the bc became stage 4. But if i had been diagnosed at stage 4 I would have wanted the tumor removed from my breast, either via a lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on the surgeon's recommendation. While reconstruction is important, I think more important is to remove the tumor. Perhaps other women on the board can give you some input on whether to have a mastectomy, as well as any other thoughts they might have. As Jackie mentioned, it's good to input your diagnosis as part of your signature. She also provided other tips for what's available on this website. Joan __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2021 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!