Connect
← Return to Preventative double mastectomy
Discussion
Preventative double mastectomy
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 7, 2021 | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
The only information I can give is my own. When I had breast cancer at 38, and a doctor who was a friend said “with your genetics, I would get a double mastectomy and pray to be done with it”. I asked my surgeon if we could do this and was told we don’t do that anymore. Being uneducated and trusting my doctor knew best, I agreed to a large lumpectomy that scraped the tumor off of my chest wall.
Fast forward 15 years, geez I wish I had taken the time to research all of that, but hindsight is always 20/20, and I wish I could go back and demand that bi-lateral mastectomy. Now that it has shown up elsewhere, they say a mastectomy won’t stop it. So I still have these scarred and lopsided, painful breasts. I count my daily blessings of being alive, and I don’t dwell on it much. My situation is different from yours, but this is my story, and maybe it helps.
Whatever decision you make, please get fully informed maybe a second or third opinion, read research, whatever will make you feel you can live with your choice. One of the Mayo doctors told us “the only good decision is an informed decision” and I believe it!
Replies to "The only information I can give is my own. When I had breast cancer at 38,..."
Thank you for your comment. I really appreciate it.
Connect
@auntieoakley Even with mastectomy, there is residual tissue whereupon you can still get breast cancer, unfortunately. I've been working with my physical therapist the last couple of weeks due to cording, but have also had more pain in the breast and fullness. She worked on lymphatic system today around my axilla, breast to remove some of the fluid. Part of the pain is from fibrotic tissue from breast surgeries, past seromas, and radiation effect. I'm being sent now to have a custom fit bra with inserts which the PT believes will help with the softening up the fibrosis and then help with the pain. While I don't know where your pain is coming from, perhaps a physical therapist with knowledge of breast surgeries and lymphedema may be able to help you.