News - Cancer: Breast Message Board

California Ann · 04-07-2009, 07:50 PM

Well I met with a surgeon today. My tumor is small and she said it looks like it has not spread but, nothing is written in stone. I could probably get away with a lumpectomy but I am opting for a double mastectomy. I have a few other serious health issues and have lost every member of my family to one kind of cancer or another. One paternal aunt is the only case of breast cancer and she was 65 when she was diagnosed. She is in her 80's now. My chances of finding cancer in the other breast would be in the 30% range. I have had thyroid cancer. I have had my ova

ries, gall bladder and part of my pancreas removed (because they thought I had cancer and could not rule it out without surgery). I just want not to have to worry about cancer and having another surgery. I am only 54 and would like to spend quality time with my husband now that we have the time together.

Thanks for being here,

Ann

leea1206 · 04-07-2009, 10:00 PM

Ann-

Glad the tumor is small and hasn't spread.

I think it is good to go with your "gut" for treatment. Only you know what is best in your situation. - I did exactly the same thing and DID have a double mast, even though my tumor was small as well and nonagressive.

We have a family hx and any woman that has had breast cancer (whether or not they have a hx) has a higher chance of br ca in the "good" breast. For me I felt it gave me the best chance for never having to face this again. I feel such relief knowing I have virtually no breast tissue left. By the way, my mom had a much larger tumor than mine and had a single mast, no other treatment. She is alive and well 29 yrs after her dx and is now 85. - I hope to live a long life like her as well.

Best wishes with your treatment.
Leea

California Ann · 04-08-2009, 09:57 PM

Leea,

What great news. I plan on sticking around as long as I can too. My husband had an aunt that was 97 when she died. She was a 2 time cancer survivor 25 years apart and one was breast cancer. She was in her 50's with the second bout. I can hardly imagine what women used to go through. I know it is not easy for any of us but we have so much more support and information now. I consider myself very lucky not only because of medical care but to have places like this and people you to help get us over the rough patches.

Thanks and cudos to your Mom too,

Ann