CommunitiesBreast CancerShould I remove my healthy breast after second breast cancer diagnosis?

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

LM

Community Member

2 months ago

I have HER II positive breast cancer with a 2mm invasive ductal carcinoma tumor, and DCIS. I wanted a bi-lateral mastectomy but it kept being rescheduled because of surgeon and plastic surgeon's schedule. I wanted the cancer out of me asap so I had a lumpectomy with plans for a bilateral later. I also had a port put in during surgery. They took 2 lymph nodes. I am waiting pathology reports to see if the cancer spread to the lymph nodes. Currently, the plan is to allow me to heal, start chemotherapy and then have a bi-lateral sometme later. This is my second bout of breast cancer - the same breast but different. My first was HER II negative hormone receptors. I was on anastrozole for 5 years. This cancer appeared 9 years after it's different. I had radiation but no chemo. What I would like comments on is whether I should have my good breast removed. I am 67 years old unbelieve I have a lot of life left to live. I would want reconstruction and I'm just looking for opinions and similar experiences. Thank you

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4 comments
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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

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.

AN

Community Member

2 months ago

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 🫶

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ME

Community Member

6 days ago

Amber I've literally had the doctors out right lie to me twice so I would agree to cdk4's!! Once they told me I had liver cancer 2nd most recently told me I had sternum cancer! Most people don't realize they do and will play these games on you to manipulate us!!! First time "liver" I believed them. For an entire week I was left to stew about it B4 they told me it was not! Because of that this "sternum" incident didn't scare me at all I literally told them to prove it! They couldn't prove it and said oops! Again!! My advice to everyone is to educate yourself and advocate for yourself! If you would've asked me years ago if I would ever thought doctors would lie especially about cancer I would've said absolutely not!! Lol .....Now? YES they will and do lie every single day you have to remember there is money involved! For the doctors and the hospital

ME

Community Member

6 days ago

Idk why you agreed to lumpectomy? They may have been playing games with you! If they had the "time" to do that then they could have done mastectomy think about it?? Imo they want to do the most amount of surgeries that they can $$ ...and we want the least amount! Lol They can do direct to implant.. mastectomy and implants same day! Idk what kind of reconstruction you want? But you can absolutely do both in the same day! They don't like doing it bc of less $ ...but you could shop around and find someone that will! Just letting you know.

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