Hi,I am 34 and have recently been offered a preventative mastectomy as my family history dictates that I am very high risk. I am happily married with a very supportive husband and two small boys but I am really confused about what to do for the best. A few friends that i have asked have all had very strong feelings about what I should do and for some reason I am worried about what people will think of me if I decide to go ahead with it. I do also have a low opinion of myself and am concerned about how the whole thing will make me feel.
I would love advice from anyone especially someone who has had the op for preventative reasons
Hi llamedos and welcome to the forums,
I am posting a link to our publication about breast cancer in families which you may find useful to read whilst you await replies as it contains some information about risk reducing surgery and further reading:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/BC_in_families_LP_-_March_08.pdf
Please also feel free to call our helpline if you feel it would help to speak to someone in confidence on 0808 800 6000, weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hello
I have sent you a PM.
Reg.
Dear Llamedos
You have a big decision to make. I actually had breast cancer in my 30s and now 2 years since diagnosis. Just as I was being diagnosed, an aunt (not a blood relation)was finishing treatment for breast cancer so I was aware of it and about it. About 6 years ago, my mother’s sister had breast cancer and had treatment and about 15 years ago my dad’s sister had breast cancer and had treatment. Hers came back just after I had finished or was finishing my treatment as a new primary and she’s not finished her treatment. Had I known/realised/been educated about breast cancer, maybe I would have got myself checked out. I was very naive, had no idea or anything so did not have the choice that you have i.e. do do something or not to. In addition, about 1 1/2 years before I was diagnosed I had a breast reduction on both sides and nothing was picked up then (not that anybody was looking for anything).
If I knew then what I knew now, I would certainly have been inclined to have preventative surgery - oh how I wish I’d been a little bit more informed or that somebody had said hey there’s a family history. Anyway that was then, and this is now. I’m planning a preventative mastectomy on my good side with reconstruction.
I thought that by detailing my story, this may help you a little. It must be hard to have to make a decision to have an operation when you are actually well and nothing is wrong and long may it remain ok.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
Ruby x
Although I was diagnosed with a HG DCIS, it was termed pre-cancerous and post-mastectomy I have not needed any further treatment.
I can only tell you how I feel about the op - bloody lucky. I have friends who needed chemo etc following lumpectomies etc. They still have uncertain futures.
Good luck.
Hi…I have had genetic counselling and would only say if you have been offered a preventative mastectomy there would be good reason behind this offer…and in your shoes I would have the op with no hesitation…Good Luck…x
I first went along to my breast clinic when i was 38 and wanted to have preventative mastectomys due to a bad family history… I was told the family history was not bad enough as my Mum and older sister had not had it… although my grandmother, her three sisters, my aunt, and my great aunts’ daughters had all had breast cancer in their 40’s (and all died…) s0 i was given annual mammograms instead…
Last year when i was 43 i was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of bc there is… believe me i would far sooner have had mastectomys when i was 38 rather than now have the threat of secondaries developing…
Theresa
Hi
I know everyoneis different but if I were in your shoes I would definitely have a preventative mastectomy.
I am 37 with two young children.I have recently been diagnosed with a very early form of BC called DCIS. As they could not remove it all I’ve had to have a mastectomy.I have also recently had the genetic test and am waiting for the results.
I am in no doubt whatsoever that if I have the gene I will have a mastectomy on my good breast too.My experience so far has made me realie what a close shave with things I have had. My BC was caught early- my Mum’s wasn’t and she died at 48. I refuse to let that happen to me so if it means waving goodbye to my breasts then so be it. I intend to be around for my children for years to come!
Go with what you feel is right for you- not what others around you think. It is your decision.
Take care
Love Freddie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi there. I’m 36, recently diagnosed with bc. My mother died of bc at 41 and my maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer in her 60s. I was offered the choice of a lumpectomy or mastectomy. I have decided to have a bilateral mastectomy (this coming thursday - yikes!!), even though it’s not definite that my bc is hereditary. I was given the option of testing, but to be honest it won’t alter my decision. They can only test for the BRCA mutations and apparently they only account for 20% of all genetic breast cancers. There are so many other genes they don’t know about yet. So if the test came back negative I’d still be worrying that it is genetic and would worry every day about a recurrence. The way I look at it is; they’re only breasts. You can always have reconstructive surgery if it’s important to you. And, at least if you have the surgery now, you won’t have to face all the other treatments that go with bc. You’ll also have peace of mind for your future.
It’s a very personal decision to make, and only you can make it. Good luck.
Caro xx
I was unfortunate enough to get BC when I was 27. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. I am the second eldest of 4 sisters and despite knowing that there was a history of cancer in my family,I had no reason to believe it was hereditary. I was advised to have genetic testing and it took a while for me to get around to it, but after my treatment had finished I decided to find out for sure. It turned out I had BRCA1 and was given the option of doing nothing about it and perhaps waiting for a recurrence, or go ahead and have the preventative mastectomy. I decided to have the mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, which was 2 years ago now, and while it was a difficult decision to make at the time, I know it is the best thing I could ever have done. Not only do I have the breasts at the size I always wanted without paying for them (I had expanders and chose to go to 34DD! I was 34B before) and okay, they’re not quite the same, but no-one would know the difference unless I had no clothes on - but I no longer have the worry of if or when I might get cancer again. My younger sisters are twins and decided to be tested. They too, had the BRCA1 gene and also decided to have a preventative mastectomy at the age of 30. I don’t think they have ever looked back. I know it’s not an easy decision to make but I would strongly urge anyone in the same situation to do the same, just for the peace of mind. It sounds like you are lucky enough to have a lot of love and support and I’m sure your friends will admire you for making the decision to go ahead with it, should you wish to do so. If you need any more information, please feel free to PM me.
Hi there 
So glad to have found this thread.
I am having preventative double mastectomy on Thursday.
I have the BRCA1 mutation, extensive family history of BC and my grandmother had ovarian cancer aged 32. It has taken me 11 years to reach the point this year of taking the genetic test. I didnt feel I needed to take the test unless I was prepared to do the preventative measures. I had my ovaries removed in March this year. I was terrified before that op as was really dreading the ‘menopause’ LOL! (Its been fine as it happens 
) I’m weirdly calm about this op on Thursday…
I’ve decided not to have reconstruction or implants and my ‘boobs’ arrived on Saturday along with some gorgeous lingerie My husband and I decided it was the best decision for us. We have two young girls and it is important for me that I can recover reasonably quickly to enjoy family life. My husband is a terrific man, and while he admits he will no doubt feel a sadness that my boobs will be no more, he will be so relieved (as will I!) that the risk of BC will be lessened from 80+% to 5%. ( Due to ovary and breasr removal). The day I got my genentic results my husband was heart broken… The relief we will feel and regaining thoughts of a positive future are far more important than my 41 yr old boobs! But its a very personal and individual choice to make?
Fairy xx