Being at high risk for breast cancer
Hello,
I had mammogram back in December that came back with having micro-
calsifications (clusters of 3 areas) came back benign, but they found 2 other
abnormal cells. I was diagnosed with having LCIS and FEA . Recently I
had a lumpectomy which came back with no other additional findings
which so relieving to me. My fathers sisters and their daughters have had
breast cancer and o e has passed away, but nothing on my mom's side.
I certainly do not want to take medications and to get checked out
every 4-6 months for my doctor to tell me I have to have more biopsy's
and more lumpectomy's. I have decided that being at high risk for breast
cancer to have a double masectomy. My family and most of my friends
are very supportive of my decision. Not only that my mother in law had
breast cancer and I worry about my daughters.
In any case I was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation
and if you could be helpful.Thanks for taking the time to read my message.
From,
mae67
Hi Mae,
February 13, 2013 - 4:50pmI had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy 6 months ago for a family history of breast cancer. It was not a good experience. The physical and emotional toll was far more than I was prepared for. I also took tamoxifen for several years and had frequent mammograms and mri's before I decided to have the surgery and justI couldn't feel like a sitting duck any longer. I've been very hesitant to share my feelings about the experience until now. As a gynecologist myself and knowledge of your condition, despite my personal negative experience, I would recommend you have a mastectomy. That is what I suggest if you were my sister. If you wait to get the cancer diagnosis you can never go back and make a different decision. But mastectomy isn't simple. I'd recommend you join a support group and consider seeing a therapist. It was the hardest thing I've ever been through, and that's coming from a woman who has watched nearly all of her female family members suffer from breast cancer. I wish you strength.
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