Mastectomy or not?

Hiya all,

My mum got diagnosed with BC in august 2019 with grade 3 no spread to the lymph nodes. She has completed chemotherapy and undergone two lumpectomy surgeries and were successful. Just before starting radiotherapy we were offered the genetic testing. The results came back and my mum carries a gene alteration in the BRCA2 gene. Before going into radiotherapy her oncologist decided not to jump straight into radiotherapy as she may benefit from having a mastectomy. My mums a bit stressed and all over the place as she’s having to make this decision whether she has a mastectomy or not. We spoke to the doctor and they said to either have a mastectomy and her ovaries removed or not to have the mastectomy and go through with radiotherapy and have mammograms and MRI checks every 6 months. My mums really worried and stressed with what to do, some days she thinks just to remove it but then some days she wakes up really worried about the surgery and the recovery. If anyone has had a mastectomy and has any advice on what to do I’d really appreciate it!! xxx

Ive just had a mastectomy after 3rd breast cancer over 14 years. The surgery was straightforward and I returned to work after 2 weeks. Can I ask what age your mum is? Her age and any underlying health issues will influence her decision but if she’s been through chemo she’s done really well. It might be worth talking it through again with breast care nurses in the first instance as it sounds as though she needs more information and support in making her decision.