HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Thoughts on removal of opposite healthy breast?

starwishn2 · 07-30-2013, 09:37 PM

I went with the double mastectomy. At first, my husband and I were comfortable with a lumpectomy. However, after an MRI - 3 more spots were found and biopsied. On that day I decided I did not want to go through that again every year (dense breasts like everyone else here). I've never regretted my decision. The expanders were miserable and the implants aren't great... yet. But I have an awesome PS so I know we will get there. I do miss "feeling" though. This stupid dumb breast cancer!! Good luck - I'm glad you have time to think about it!
Jeri

07-30-2013, 09:37 PM	#11
starwishn2 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Utah Posts: 124	Re: Thoughts on removal of opposite healthy breast? I went with the double mastectomy. At first, my husband and I were comfortable with a lumpectomy. However, after an MRI - 3 more spots were found and biopsied. On that day I decided I did not want to go through that again every year (dense breasts like everyone else here). I've never regretted my decision. The expanders were miserable and the implants aren't great... yet. But I have an awesome PS so I know we will get there. I do miss "feeling" though. This stupid dumb breast cancer!! Good luck - I'm glad you have time to think about it! Jeri __________________ Diagnosed 16Dec1993 ITP (auto immune disease - low platelets) Splenectomy 11Nov2009 Rituxen May2011 ITP playing nice Diagnosed 3Jul2012 BC 2 cm - Grade 2 - Stage IIB HER2+++ ER+/PR+ bilateral mastectomy 20Jul2012 Metastasized cancer found 1 lymph node expanders placed during surgery TCH chemo "cocktail" started 24Aug2012 every 3 weeks - 6 treatments Herceptin - 18 treatments LAST treatment Taxotere & Carboplatin 7Dec2012 -yay! Continue with Herceptin 26Dec2012 Started Arimidex 01Jan2013 (for 5 years) Surgery to remove expanders/reconstruction 18Jan2013 Infection in left breast from reconstruction/infection in most nails - SO many meds! 22Feb2013 Left implant not playing nice.... might need to remove and try again - blah! 04Apr2013 3Jul2013 - one year since diagnosis - booo cancer! 15Aug2013 LAST chemo infusion!! YIPPPEEE!!! 13Sep2013 2nd reconstructive surgery.. the FOOBs are looking good!