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Lori R · 04-02-2010, 01:31 PM

Heidi,
I am glad you found us as this site is a great sounding board to kick around ideas.

I can't speak to the scientific pros/cons of having a preventative mastectomy but can share my personal experience.

I decided to have the preventative mastectomy. It was based on a couple of thoughts. #1. I knew that I didn't EVER want to repeat the process of being informed I had breast cancer and possibly going through years of follow up appointments. I am pleased with my decision knowing that I've done everything possible to battle this disease.

#2. Appearance - for some reason it was easier for me to handle emotionally. I was symetrical and didn't have to worry about matching a natural breast with the possibility of an implant. I ultimately decided against reconstruction...which again is a very personal choice. Mine had to do with not wanting more surgery and recovery. But...maybe I'll change my mind in a couple of years.

I hope you are able to make a decision that you feel comfortable with.....Lori

04-02-2010, 01:31 PM	#2
Lori R Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Evergreen, Colorado Posts: 454	Re: new and in need of advice...please x Heidi, I am glad you found us as this site is a great sounding board to kick around ideas. I can't speak to the scientific pros/cons of having a preventative mastectomy but can share my personal experience. I decided to have the preventative mastectomy. It was based on a couple of thoughts. #1. I knew that I didn't EVER want to repeat the process of being informed I had breast cancer and possibly going through years of follow up appointments. I am pleased with my decision knowing that I've done everything possible to battle this disease. #2. Appearance - for some reason it was easier for me to handle emotionally. I was symetrical and didn't have to worry about matching a natural breast with the possibility of an implant. I ultimately decided against reconstruction...which again is a very personal choice. Mine had to do with not wanting more surgery and recovery. But...maybe I'll change my mind in a couple of years. I hope you are able to make a decision that you feel comfortable with.....Lori __________________ 2007 Oct - Diagnosed - Stage IV 5 c.m. IDC - Left Side er/pr- Her2+++ Node + 2/14 - Single Liver Met Double Mastectomy Nov - Begin T+H 2008 Feb-Complete 6 cycles- T&H- NED March - Continue - Herceptin Only April - Rads for 6 weeks 2009 Continue Herceptin - Continue NED April - Recurrance- 3 cm. Liver Met May - Cryosurgery June - November - Abraxane + Herceptin Aug - PET/CT - CTC = 0 Back to NED 2010 January - Continue NED July - Recurrance - 3 cm Liver Met CTC=1 August - Cryosurgery #2 August - November Navelbine November - Back to NED - End Navelbine 2011 Feb - Recur - 4 cm Liver Met - Same Left Lobe March Surgery it is -Couldn't get a clean margin July - Confirmed continued liver involvement August - Begin Herceptin + Tykerb October - Mixed results from H+T Add Abraxane + H + T - Nov - April 2012 January PET Scan - It's working!! April - Back to NED July - Recurrance August - Begin TDM-1 Trial (Taxol + TDM-1)