Not sure whether to have started a new thread, but I couldn’t find anything on other threads.
I have invasive lobular cancer - left breast had mastectomy, nodes removed. Starting chemo soon. Had MRI scan as lobular cancer can occur in the other breast. This was clear. However, I am thinking of having the healthy breast removed after I have finished treatment. I know I don’t need to and my partner thinks I am crazy, but to me it would give a better chance of the cancer not returning. The consultant I see, said he would do this if I still wanted it. I know it is another big op, but isn’t it better to be safe than sorry. Lobular cancer doesn’t always show on mammograms, so concerned it may return without signs.
Hi D, i am scheduled to have the same next month. Due to the size of my remaining breast , some further surgery realistically is needed to. Even me up, so I have reached the same conclusion as you.
I am due to have a risk reducing right Mx on 1st November. My cancer was occult and I found it under my arm. My lymph node was 4cm and 1 other node affected, after Mx only a small area of DCIS was found. As a result I am paranoid that there is undetected cancer in my right breast, hence my surgeon agreeing to surgery. I am also planning to live breast free.
I will as soon as the surgeon says I can. My lobular cancer was stage 1, but I was determined to have both the affected and the healthy breast removed and reconstructed, both the surgeon and the oncologist said it was wise and safe to do so, 40% chance of recurrence in the healthy breast! Had my op ten days ago, today I drove myself to my follow up appointment. My reconstructed breast is numb, swollen, bruised, scars run through it in an oval shape, and I have a scar in my back. But I am happy! Also, my eyebrows returned luscious and full, as I finished chemo six weeks ago. Look ahead, chin up! It is hard, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. xx
Hi There I have just finished chem and rads. I also had lobular carsanoma with LCIS and DCIS in right breast, had a mastectomy and implant. I am going to have my left breast taken off with recon for the same reason as you.
I am also having herceptin - so need to get advice on when I can have surgery.
Thanks for your replies everyone. It’s hard to believe there are so many women with cancer, something I hoped would never happen to me, but hey ho here I am.
My lump was 50mm 1/2 node positive, although the consultant say some discrepancies in the report after my SNB and wants them tested again. To be on the safe side I had complete axillary clearance.
I am definitely going to have my other breast removed, mainly because of the type of cancer I have. I have thought of reconstruction, but not quite sure until I know what it fully entails. Think if I did have reconstruction, I would look more even so to speak.
PS - Caroline if it is ok I will pm you, when I have sussed out how to. Think all this has affected my brain - took me a while to get on the forums. xx
Hi I also need peace of mind and I know CPM will give me this. I am seeing my PS on weds and will discuss with him then. My reasoning is similar to everyone elses here. and I have recently had a scare (all clear thankfully).
I know it wont improve my Overall survival if the cancer they treated already has spread. I am working on the fact it hasnt(!). The worry is if I got breast cancer again it might not be so early stage and would be harder to treat etc, worse prognosis, I would be older and less fit and able to recover from surgery.
Also the yearly surveillance on the remaining breast would be emotionally damaging and stop me being able to move on with life.
Thanks for listening, I just wanted to add my support to this subject and you other ladies that are unfortunately going through this.
Actually, truth be told I’d rather have my natural breasts just as they were before this disease, and I’m sure we all feel that too.
Has anyone gone through with this? How did it turn out? I read on another forum that you have to see a clinical psychologist too, to help with the decision process or something?
I had a right Mx on 1st Nov, 18 months after my original left Mx. Before surgery I had to see the psychologist to check I had thought my decision through. The surgery was much easier than 1st time round as there was no need for ANC & I knew what to expect. The path report was clear & the scars are very symmetrical so look fine. It is liberating not having to wear a bra & 3 weeks after surgery I was dancing at my 50th birthday looking fab breast free in a Vivienne Westwood dress. I am so glad I took the decision.
When I was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer back in September I opted for a dmx with immediate reconstruction there and then, there’s no way I could live with the worry of it coming in my other breast. I also had to see the councillor who was great and totally understood where I was coming from . I’m so glad I didn’t listen to the consultant and go for a lumpectomy - my 14mm lump which didn’t show on mammogram and was only found on ultrasound after I guided them, turned out to be 50mm multifocal. Even the MRI only picked up the 14mm lump. Take care all XXX
Yes I have had double mx following my breast cancer diagnosis in January 2012. I initially had WLE x 2 and ANC followed by chemo & rads which completed in September 2012. In April this year I had a right side mx with LD flap reconstruction and have just had the same op on left side at the end of October. Like Songbird I am aware that this will not improve overall survival if the cancer has already spread but I have got to move forward with the expectation that it hasn’t. I have a strong family history of breast cancer and my aim was to reduce the risk of a second primary cancer as much as possible and this is what I have done. My medical team were very supportive of my decision and I have no regrets. I did not have to see a psychologist.
I had triple negative in left breast and opted immediately for double MX with recon. Im 41 and there is a feeling that this is genetic. Having done chemo first and the oncologist talking about this type of cancer having a bad rep and looking up my odds I requested they do both. The surgeon couldn’t “fault my logic”.No psychologist involved. No regrets at giving myself the best chance of a life free as i can make it from cancer. As surgeon said they arent hands or feet. Thank heavens we can chop them off without reducing our ability to function. 3 weeks post surgery and I love their shape. I hate the scars as they r a reminder but I will get used to them, they will fadfe and I will stick nipples on top. Good luck with your decision making. Work out your reasons then tell any potential dissenters to keep quiet
Songbird… I actually asked if I looked like Angelina when being wheeled to ward… Or somewhere post op!Interesting thread. 14 years ago, I had mastectomy with immediate recon, and to be honest, looking back, was not the right thing, as thought, well, had BC, now all OK, get on with life, then had a bit of depression, and so not really allowed myself time to get used to the idea. However, this time round, opted for immediate implant as in a much more positive state of mind. We are all different, and even different ourselves and different times!!
Hello again! I had ld flap reconstruction, am reasonably pleased although no nipple looks … You know! I am very nervous about new op, it us quite hard to put up with wounds in the back, no feeling in the many op sites (around the scar on back and the whole … Thingy in the front -looks like a breast but it is not on). However, I never really felt as I had a mastectomy, thanks to reconstruction. As for angelina, it would take her ages to put on weight! I hate/love tamoxifen, if you know what I mean… Good luck to you my fellow angelinas, and wish me luck… (Op on Wednesday 29…) Xx
Yes never too many smiles! I love this forum too, why would we feel sorry for ourselves when we can laugh? Our individual worries become a shared awareness that many others before or at the same time have shared this!
Good morning! I am already recovering, surgery was 4 hours but I feel strong. I am happy I chose to do it. thanks everybody for your support and good luck to those still struggling with cures/decisions. Daniela xxx
a nice and Perot one! Xx