What should I expect with ER/PR positive breast cancer and double mastectomy?

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when there are still unknowns about staging and treatment plans. Many people in this community understand the anxiety that comes with waiting for more detailed information after surgery. The surgical team and oncology team will have much clearer answers about next steps once pathology results are available, which typically helps create a more specific treatment roadmap. This community has many members who have navigated similar journeys and can offer valuable support and insights as more details become available.

Hello Diane! I too have IDC (in my right breast with lymph node involvement) and DCIS (in my left breast. I’m stage 1b category 3. Axilla lymph node biopsy came back malignant. My treatment plan was to start chemo first (I’m triple positive so I’m doing TCHP). I will have a bi lateral mastectomy in June (last chemo treatment is May 15). Followed with a DIEP flap reconstruction. From my understanding I won’t know if I need radiation until after the surgery and the dr gets the pathology reports back. After surgery, I will do 11 cycles of Herceptin and Perjeta (for the Her 2 targeted therapy) and I will start some type of hormone therapy for the PR and ER part (hormones). I’m not sure what that looks like. I’ve learned to take treatment in “phases”. Phase 1 was getting through chemo, phase 2 will be surgery, stage 3 will be my targeted therapies. I’ve also learned that no two cancer/patients are alike. So your treatment plan may look different. I wish you the best 🩷🩷

I was stage 2b. But similar findings size wise. I also chose double mastectomy in August 2024 followed by chemo and radiation. I chose to be aggressive with treatment so that it had the least possible chance of ever coming back. Currently on kisqali (for 3 years total) and anastrazole (for 10 years total).

@melissa Thank you for sharing your story. I am going for the Sentinel Lympnode injection today then surgery tomorrow. After Pathology report I will know what stage and what treatment is required. I am 100% scared and anxiety is through the roof. I am also dealing with alot of left shoulder blade and elbow pain so I dont know how it will be for me. This is where my fun life begins. I read that Broccoli sprout has a nutritional called Sulforaphane that is good for when taking treatment and killing the micro cells that does not get seen on scans. Has anyone heard about this. I see a product from Nivora called BROC. Please share. Thank you i will keep you all updated after surgery. Please jeep me in you all prayers.

@Susan Thank you for sharing we will all get through this together and we are all stronger than we think. God bless

Diane, you are stronger than you realize. One day, one step at a time. Sending you prayers & hugs. Together we fight back❣️

I had my surgery yesterday and I am in alot of pain today.

Diane, I’m sending you extra prayers & hugs. Try your best to take it one day at a time. Communicate with your team to assist with pain management. Stay hydrated! I had a partial mastectomy for IDC & DCIS, 2 and a half years ago. Tumor was 9 mm and a hairs thickness from my pectoral wall. 50 mm of DCIS was removed. Right breast between 8 & 9 o’clock on the breast. Had radiation therapy, 5 rounds of heavy duty dosages, plus a 6th booster as the clear margins were narrow. First line of defense. Then I’ve been on AI meds since then. Tried all 3 of them! My first instinct was to do a double mastectomy, but surgeon said I was a good candidate for just the partial. I’m quite a bit older than you. Diagnosed at 70, so that factor gets weighed into the equation. You’re my daughter’s age, I completely understand your choice. We all have to choose what works for us, we are all different. Please know it’s ok to reach out to your team for assistance in navigating your journey. Pain management is something you need to keep ahead of. Sending you strength, prayers, and positive energy to fight this. Love & hugs, keep your spirits up & surround yourself with the special folks in your life & let them help you❣️❣️❣️