I have been diagnosed with grade 1, hormone receptive cancer last week but yesterday had a biopsy in other breast as suspected tumour there too. I understand this is quite rare to have both breasts affected. Dependent on outcome I think I am looking at double mastectomy and hormone treatment.
My question is what if the tumour there other side is a different prognosis…so is not hormone receptive
any advice on impact of double mastectomy on surgery recovery time and mental impact of a flat chest is appreciated. I am 54 and feel confident that I can cope psychologically with the removal but am I in denial?
Hello KarenPP, oh I understand how you feel about finding out you have cancer in both breasts. I also thought it was quite rare but I have heard of it happening more often. I had started out with a diagnosis of DCIS in right breast but after MRI a suspicious lump was found and I had stage 1 grade 2 in left breast. It was hard to hear. I am over 3 years post surgery and bilateral radiation. Had lumpectomy in both breasts and on hormone blockers now . My cancers were both 100% ER and PR positive.
I was 71 when diagnosed so that is why I had lumpectomy and radiation. You are younger and may not want radiation. So many things to consider and I am hoping that you find peace in your decision. It is not easy and you may have days where you feel so confident about your decision and then the next day you aren’t sure. I too went through all of that and finally after some time I was able to feel right about my decision. My surgeon was wonderful too. Hugs to you.
Barbara
Hello there. I have bilateral breast cancer grade 1 hr positive like you but I had dcis+tumours on the left and dcis+1 tumour on the right. I had a double mastectomy about nine weeks ago and after some initial hiccups healed well. Being flat chested has been extremely liberating especially since I had come to see my boobs as the enemy! I'm 50 and have had my prostheses on only once, I don't feel the need to wear them.
Today I start radiotherapy as unfortunately my lymph nodes came back 1/3 positive and they couldn't get margins on the left dcis. I'm staying positive, bit apprehensive but I've got this and do you!
I'm also on ovarian suppression and tamoxifen no side effects so far but I've only been on them 2 weeks.
Hope that helps a wee bit x
Thank you Barbara for your message and the details. It sounds like our cancers are similar. I am pretty set on the double mastectomy as I am not sure I would settle if the breasts were still there and I would have ongoing risk. I am well supported by my husband but it is still a huge part of your femininity that will be gone so I have to be prepared for down days. M the important thing is that I survive and thrive and I am determined to be positive and actually feel lucky that prognosis is good and found early
The waiting is the worst…trying to stop your kind from going to dark places
wishing you all the very best and thank you for your kindness
Hi there, I had dcis right breast and lumpectomy done. One of the margins was just less than 1mm so I had my whole breast radiation 16 treatments and then a boost of 5 extra treatments to the tumor bed. There is excellent research in this approach. Take care and good health to you.
Barbara
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