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Mastectomies are not an option for those over 65???!!!
A friend of mine has had breast cancer twice...DCIS and IDC....both breasts....as I have. She told me that she had suggested mastectomy to her surgeon the second time and that doctor, her oncologist and her gynecologist told her that it is not done for ladies over 65. They do not do it. She is a young 75 and certainly could handle such surgery. I am 70 and last year I had a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction. The first surgeon I went to had no problem doing the surgery, but said that I was too old for diep reconstruction, I would have to get implants. I did not like that surgeon and would never have used her....she was rude and crude saying “another nipple in the bucket” over and over when discussing mastectomy. I was disgusted and angry. I did not know where to turn, so made an appointment with a plastic surgeon that had given a lecture on breast cancer reconstruction. Luckily I had attended the lecture and decided to make an appointment with him. He had shown pictures of women that had had surgery and reconstruction into their 80s. That was the best thing I ever did. After meeting me and hearing my story...two breast cancers and genetic mutation and horror appointment with the crude surgeon, he told me that I could not have nipple sparing surgery because of the radiation I had had, but that I could have the diep flap and he recommended a different surgeon. He has been the best thing that has happened to me since my breast cancer experience began. He is kind, totally explains everything, listens to everything you have to say and tells you what to expect. From the get go, he told me he could not make me look perfect, but he also said he does not take cases unless he knows he will be successful. This man truly has given me hope and my wish is that everyone be lucky enough to find a doctor like him. I am nearly through the process as it takes a while to complete and I am delighted with my new breasts. So, can someone tell me if/why mastectomies are not done for older ladies. That certainly was not the case for me. My suggestion is...do your research, decide what you want and do not go by what the first doctor tells you. I got 50% of what I wanted....no on the nipple sparing mastectomy (but I did have skin sparing), but yes on using my own tissue for reconstruction...no implants. I thought the surgery was remarkably easy...very little pain...getting back up to speed took about 3 weeks (its a 10 hour surgery and you have to be very careful how you move so as not to disrupt the microsurgery done to move the tissue from the belly to the chest). He has given me hope.
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Thank you for sharing. I just purchased a drain belt…it’s coming this weekend. Good advice. 👍🏻
I’ll say it again, all of you ladies are so helpful.
I’m sorry you had to go through this but sometimes it’s a help to know you’re not alone.
Be well.
We are all on this journey and here for each other. 🌸
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1 ReactionMy surgery was October 15, 2021; then I started chemotherapy November 16th. So it's been just a year. (Actually getting my hair back now, phew!) Truly, let me know how your experience goes. I hope your surgeon is supportive of your decision for a double. Will they be doing the sentinel node process? After the lab analyzes the tumor etc. you'll know more specifics for sure. A woman I've never met in person was a godsend to me when I was going through this; we were both in a FB support group where she just happened to mention that she'd had breast cancer. She answered so many questions and was immensely reassuring in sharing her experience. Paying it forward is the best way I can thank her back! (How can we get in touch with each other through this plaform?) Where are you? I am in Washington state. My sister just retired from working at Mayo and
she introduced me to this forum. Also, apparently I have very inept fingers on my phone keyboard....I see all kinds of horrible bloopers AFTER I post-- yikes! I *do* know how to spell better than my posts would indicate.
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1 ReactionHi again. Do I have to be invited to join Flatties Unite?
I’m still under review and pending to join on Face Book.
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1 ReactionHi, I’m not sure about the sentinel node process. I do know they’ll be checking for margins and checking a couple of nodes. I’ve went through triple negative BC 20 yrs. ago so I kind of figured they’d be checking nodes again. Because it was an aggressive BC years ago, I had a Lumpectomy , 4 rounds of chemo and 30 days of radiation. This time around it’s new precancerous cells. Totally different from what I had before.
I’m glad to hear your hair is coming back…I remember that well. I also remember it was summertime and I found that challenging.
I’m in New York but if you like I will give you email address.
It does help to communicate with others ……
My children tell me they have to decipher my texts sometimes. I can be the queen of bloopers…lol
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3 ReactionsI had a mastectomy at 82 and 6 nodes removed (3 positive). Then had 16 proton radiation treatments. I did fine with no pain, single drain removed in 5 days post-op and am fully active in mind and body (e.g., mowing lawn, landscaping and playing duplicate bridge). Age is not as important as the skills of your surgeon (mine was at Mayo in MN and terrific) and proton radiation oncologist at Mayo.
Think through this process and ignore the horror stories. Best of luck.
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5 ReactionsThank you so very much. I appreciate such a wonderful note. You sound like a young 82! Good for you. I hope to be the same some day.
I’m focusing on the positive and thank you so very much again 😘
Be well.
Yes, once they've approved you, the posts will start showing up in your "feed" (I don't know what it's called; frankly I really don't like or trust Zuckerberg and the whole FB situation, though I have found tremendous benefit from some private support groups on the platform!) It will also show up under your "Groups" tab.
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1 ReactionOk I’ll keep watching it.
I tried sending you my email but I guess it’s not aloud.
We can still communicate on here. 🙂
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2 ReactionsThere are also cotton bras that hook up in the front… essential! They are soft but offer some support, which you will need, during healing process. Also work with the dreaded drains… which you won’t have for too long.
I bought a couple in two sizes and wore larger ones at night for a while.
If you have any questions let me know!
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