What to do when facing double mastectomy after multiple cancer surgeries?

Communities›Just Diagnosed With Breast Cancer›What to do when facing double mastectomy after multiple cancer surgeries?

AH

Community Member

3 months ago

I have just been diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, Nottingham grade 2, and it's spreading faster than it normally does. I am 53 years old and a pancreatic cancer survivor. I was totally cleared in 2024. Now they have found this cancer. After going through multiple surgeries and procedures from 2017 to 2020, I am so done with being cut. I don't know what to do as far as treatment goes. I had tumors in the uterus, so we removed it because the biopsy came back inconclusive then in 2018 an antibiotic I took gave me pancreatitis. I kept having problems so they did a scope, found a mass in my pancreas. Well, after that diagnosis came back for carcinoma in situ, I'm like ok what now. I had all but the head removed, my spleen, and part of my colon removed. That one surgery took 12 hours. My next surgery was to repair a hernia, 30 minutes on the table, right? Wrong. Well, that turned into a full-blown blown wide-open abdominal region and rebuild. That was the last surgery in 2020. I said no more. Now they are recommending a double mastectomy because this cancer will come back. I am so tired of it all. 😪

1

4 comments

Comment

Accepted Answer

Facing the possibility of another major surgery after everything you've been through sounds absolutely overwhelming, and those feelings of being "done with being cut" are completely understandable. When dealing with treatment decisions, especially after multiple surgeries, it can help to have open conversations with your medical team about all available options, timing considerations, and what support resources might be available during recovery. Many others in this community have faced difficult treatment decisions and may have valuable perspectives to share about how they approached similar crossroads in their cancer journey.

3+ patients found this helpful

•O

Community Member

2 months ago

I can only imagine how drained you must feel after everything you’ve already endured. Wanting a break from more procedures makes so much sense. At the same time, I encourage you to see this next step as a way of protecting your future and giving yourself more peace down the road. Whatever path you choose, know that we’re here with you and I know you are inspiring so many others for your strength. Will you continue to share as you make decisions? This is such a supportive community and I know you’ll connect with others soon. 💛 Suzanne (Community Moderator)

CR

Community Member

2 months ago

I will keep you in my prayers.

GW

Community Member

2 months ago

Praying for understanding on your journey. Have you tried vegan eating or fasting?

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Facing the possibility of another major surgery after everything you've been through sounds absolutely overwhelming, and those feelings of being "done with being cut" are completely understandable. When dealing with treatment decisions, especially after multiple surgeries, it can help to have open conversations with your medical team about all available options, timing considerations, and what support resources might be available during recovery. Many others in this community have faced difficult treatment decisions and may have valuable perspectives to share about how they approached similar crossroads in their cancer journey.

What to do when facing double mastectomy after multiple cancer surgeries?

Related Questions