Genetic testing

I was diagnosed four weeks ago with grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, and am due to have a lumpectomy in a couple of weeks followed by five days radiotherapy. I saw a different surgeon who could do the surgery quicker yesterday and he said I should get genetic testing in view of my family history. He said I need to get this done before radiotherapy and if shown to have a faulty gene would have to have bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction - the reconstruction can't be done once you have had radiotherapy. The previous consultant didn't mention this and I have gone from a lumpectomy and short radiotherapy course to potentially bilateral mastectomy. It was quite a shock as he didn't even say there was a choice - and of course I might not even have the genetic mutation. I would rather have surgery and radiotherapy and have a mastectomy at a later stage - and not too bothered about reconstruction. 

Anybody else have a similar experience?

  • Hi Suepinkh,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand the second consultant's information being a bit of a shock.

    I'm not sure what you may have decided, but if you feel you'd like to talk things through with someone, you are always welcome to give our nurses a call. You can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Do of course discuss any further questions or concerns you have with your doctor also.

    Hopefully you'll get some more replies from others on the forum, particularly if anyone with similar experience sees your post. You can also search the forum (using the bar at the top of the page) for other relevant discussions and people to connect with.

    I hope you're able to get any answers you're looking for soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator