HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Have the right breast removed, or do not have it removed, that is the question...

Lolly · 08-04-2007, 12:51 PM

I had my other breast removed in 2002, after treatment for primary disease in the left breast and later recurrence to the left side in 2001. Mammograms of the remaining breast in 2000 and 2001 showed suspicious calcifications and I wanted to cut down the risk of recurrence or new primary to that side, plus wanted to be "even" as I had decided not to have reconstruction. I had a simple mastectomy with one node removed, which was negative, but later recurred to the remaining nodes. Same type of bc; er/pr-, her2+. However, since I was already dealing with recurrent systemic disease when I chose the second mastectomy, I wasn't surprised when those nodes became active; disappointed yes!

I've been told my case is unique and it's very rare for the same type of cancer to recur in the opposite breast so you just need to weigh your options and decide what will make you feel best.

Take your time making your decision, and ask plenty of questions!

<3 Lolly

08-04-2007, 12:51 PM	#7
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	I had my other breast removed in 2002, after treatment for primary disease in the left breast and later recurrence to the left side in 2001. Mammograms of the remaining breast in 2000 and 2001 showed suspicious calcifications and I wanted to cut down the risk of recurrence or new primary to that side, plus wanted to be "even" as I had decided not to have reconstruction. I had a simple mastectomy with one node removed, which was negative, but later recurred to the remaining nodes. Same type of bc; er/pr-, her2+. However, since I was already dealing with recurrent systemic disease when I chose the second mastectomy, I wasn't surprised when those nodes became active; disappointed yes! I've been told my case is unique and it's very rare for the same type of cancer to recur in the opposite breast so you just need to weigh your options and decide what will make you feel best. Take your time making your decision, and ask plenty of questions! <3 Lolly __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.