Breast Cancer Now Forum

I was diagnosed in 2019 with stage one invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and I take an estrogen blocker. I tolerated everything really well and only missed two days work. A month ago, I was diagnosed with stage one invasive lobular carcinoma in my left breast. I am scheduled for a double mastectomy on August 28 but am undecided about having immediate implants or going flat. I understand the tendency to say WTF about having breast cancer twice. The second time has hit me so much harder than the first. I wish I had tips for how to cope, but I'm not there yet. My heart goes out to you for your ordeal. You obviously are a very strong person. ... View more

I survived invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 1, last year with a lumpectomy in my right breast followed by radiation. Now I have invasive lobular carcinoma in my left breast and have opted for a double mastectomy. Mostly because I do not want to go through radiation again and I'm afraid of further tumors. I qualify for immediate implants but I'm so torn. I'm afraid of complications and pain and general unhappiness with the implant feel/look. I think I'm okay with going flat. I have basically made the decision to go ahead with the implants because it's an easier procedure to recover from than if I go flat and later decide I really want reconstruction. But there is a nagging voice I can't dismiss that is afraid of implants. By the way, I'm 57 and post-menopausal. I'm not young, but I'm not old either.  I welcome all perspectives! ... View more