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Mastectomy decision

Grachie
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Hi everyone,

I’m new to this group & this is my first time of ever reaching out for advice regarding my cancer

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on the 23rd Dec 2019. I had 2 tumours, one measured 6.5 cms in diameter. 

The cancer had spread to 2 lymph nodes & I have almost finished 6 months of chemo.I will be moving on to surgery at the end of Aug. I was tested for brca but this came back negative. 

I’ve always suffered from breast cysts and have previously had 10 removed fron my cancerous breast.

I actually went to a NHS breast clinic back in July but was told my 2 new ‘cysts’ were nothing to worry about & too small to be drained.  Unfortunately this was incorrect and was actually the start of my cancer nightmare. 

Here is the advice I’m looking for. Should I have a double mastectomy? Apart from 2 current cysts in my good breast,it seems healthy or should I have both breasts removed and hopefully lessen the chances of the cancer returning. I can’t bear the thought of having to go through the treatment again. Any advice would be great, especially from people that have undergone a double mastectomy out of choice and have regrets or no regrets. 

Many thanks

  • Offline

    I'm sorry I can't advise you, I hope someone will be on here soon to help, I'm still waiting for my results. Take care and keep safe xxx

  • Offline in reply to Adella50

    Thanks Adella & wishing you all the best 

  • Offline in reply to Grachie

    I am also TNBC diagnosed 2 weeks ago, about to start chemo. I really want both breasts removed, I want to know if you can insist on this. Waiting for BRCA test results.

     

    How are you getting on with everything?

  • Offline in reply to jacqo

    Hi Jacqo, 

     

    Thanks for your message. 

     

    I must admit, it’s been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and waiting for my bone scan result was absolute hell as I’d convinced myself it had spread there. My aching bones were actually caused by low levels of D. This is common in people suffering from cancer. 3 months on from taking the supplement, I am now pain free but will have to take Vit D for life. 

     

    I’m just so unsure about having a double mastectomy. One day I’m like I just want rid, then I have doubts. My breast surgeon has not recommended it as he said he’s had patients a year down the line regret their decision. My radiographer also said the same thing. My surgeon did say that if I decide I want the other breast removed in a year’s time, he would be happy to operate. My op is booked in for Aug but reconstructive surgery will not be performed until next year now because of COVID, which will be bearable as long as it’s early next year. My insurance company have said that they will cover me to have a double mastectomy if I choose to. I’m certain if your Brca test comes back positive you will be offered a double mastectomy & full hysterectomy if you are under the NHS. Another reason why I’m leaning towards a double, is because with triple neg, we can’t take Tamoxifen or Herceptin to help stop it returning. I know it’s a big decision but as I said before, I just don’t want to go through all this treatment again. 

     

    Not sure if you’ve started chemo yet, but it’s really not as bad as I was expecting. I’ve had no sickness whatsoever but I have had other side effects but all bearable. 

     

    Good luck with all your results & your chosen surgery. Stay strong. You are already winning x

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