Should I remove my healthy breast after second breast cancer diagnosis?

Facing this decision after a second diagnosis is incredibly challenging, and it's completely understandable to weigh all options carefully at this stage. Many people in similar situations find it helpful to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their medical team, including factors like family history, genetic testing results, and personal peace of mind. Consider reaching out to others in this community who may have navigated similar decisions - their experiences and insights could provide valuable perspectives as you think through what feels right for your situation.

Hello Lisa first off I’m very sorry that you’re going through this AGAIN.. I’m praying for you to get clarity on your decision 🙏 Only you know what is best for your body and health. I too have had DCIS in situ stage 0 with a 2mm mass I was lucky to catch it in time.. I chose a lumpectomy followed by 20 rounds of radiation. Plus a hysterectomy as another precaution since my cancer was hormonal mind you I am 43 years old 42 when I was diagnosed. I read that you took an Anastrozole for 5 years. My oncologist recommended that same medication for me. I took it for about 2 1/2 months and I couldn’t take the side effects so he prescribed me Exemestane along with Celebrex but again after taking it I still felt awful 😞 I decided that I am no longer going to take any more preventative medication. I am scared that my cancer will return and basically living in fear. My primary doctor told me and I quote “if you don’t take the medication you will die in 5 years” I am a believer in the Lord and your story has proven me right this whole time. Although you took the preventative medication you unfortunately still had a reoccurrence of your cancer. I have done so much research on DCIS and I have learned a lot not only did I learn early in my diagnosis that I had to advocate for myself, I also believe that Doctors are not trying to save our lives, they install fear and anxiety in us and want to keep us sick. See if we get better than they don’t get paid..Sit and think about that one 🤔 My primary doctor told me as soon as I found out that I had cancer to have a double mastectomy and my worries would be gone her exact words! I had a small contained 2 mm mass that could be removed by surgery and just to be “safe” I did the radiation. Yet during all my research I’ve read that weather you get a double mastectomy or a lumpectomy, weather you have radiation or chemotherapy your chances of reoccurrence depends on many different factors such as age, post or pre menopausal, family history, lifestyle choices etc. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that doctors may have a doctrine and may be very smart but they must not teach bedside manner in medical school, also they don’t comfort, give you straight answers, or even inform you of anything other than your “plan” Educate yourself on what you think is best for you and your body, pray on what path God has for you to make your decision, and advocate for yourself. Your body your choice. I think it’s so overwhelming when you hear even the word cancer and even more overwhelming when you’re trying to make sure that you’re making the right decisions for you. I pray for guidance, strength, and clarity for you Lisa and hope that you are confident when you make your decision on what’s best for you. God Bless you and Good luck 🫶