Double mastectomy and staying on plan

Sending prayers your way....

Sending + thoughts to you.

This post stirs some emotions in me. My mom died of BC at age 49. One of the reasons I had WLS was to outlive her. I don't know if she was genetic or acquired factors, but she had autoimmune issues, smoked, poor diet, etc. I have corrected what I can, but I am extremely hesitant to have genetic testing because of privacy concerns and the feeling that I would stop living my life/switch to waiting to be diagnosed with cancer should I be positive. I know, I know, it's just sticking my head in the sand, but it's what I need to do for now (plus keeping up on my mammograms since I was 30). I have always said that at the first sign of trouble, those bad boys are coming OFF...

I will keep thinking and pondering what is the right path for me each step of the way. Perhaps I will be brave enough eventually to get tested.

Best of luck to you - 

Laurie

Hi Laurie,

I mean this in the very kindest way... get the genetic testing done.  I am not sure what your family history is, but if your mom passed away at 49 she probably was diagnosed at a younger age.  Onset before 40 is a big deal, and still a big deal if onset is before 50.  My family history reads like a bad novel.  Mom diagnosed in her very early fifties, it spreads, she dies.  Grandmothers (both) diagnosed, it srpeads, they die.  My younger sister diagnosed at age 40.  Lumpectomy and radiation, but it is back again.  Older sister just diagnosed with skin cancer.  (I have been going in circle with skin cancer for a few years.)  Aunts get breast cancer, it spreads, they die.  The one thing they ALL have in common is that they saw symptoms and waited too long to go to the doctor.  By the time they pulled their head out of the sand and tried to do something, it was too late.  This is why I am such a HUGE ADVOCATE for women to get that screening done- including genetic testing.  I had privacy issues at first, but finally realized that if I did it and was negative for a heart condition that runs in my family- my kids would not have to be tested.  Once I got past that genetic testing for the heart, I did the breast cancer gene.  You do NOT want to wait until you have breast cancer to do something about it.  Be proactive, find out your risk profile NOW.  You may not decide to go to the extent that I am and I surly respect that- but be proactive.  The alternative could very well be death at a young age.  

I'll be sure & say a prayer for you.  I'm sorry you're going through this difficult time & thank you for reminding us to take care of ourselves.

I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer 5 years ago.  I elected to have a double as well.  I had reconstruction, via the the expanders, and I now look better then I ever did before!  Do not get caught up in some of the pictures you see on the internet. I was so scared Of what I was going to look like afterward.  Today, I have to look real hard to see a scar and even overweight, I can rock a bathing suit top better then I ever did before cancer!  I wish you all the best.

Sending prayers and healing wishes your way, happyteacher!

It's commendable that while you are dealing with this stressful situation, you are reaching out to others, encouraging them to get mammograms and take care of their health. 

Sending you good thoughts and well wishes!!!

Good vibes your way in bunches. My husband's mother just went through a double after a round of BC that recurred. She weathered the surgery better than we both thought she would. Not small, but not insurmountable- on all aspects. Good thoughts to you.

I know two people who had double mastectomies years ago.  They have done well and I wish the best for you.  

I believe we have to be pro- active in our healthcare.  We only get this one life and need to do our best to protect it.  

Nancy