New Diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

My mom is a breast cancer survivor. She had a double mastectomy without reconstruction. She was 69 years old at the time. She often talks about her breasts like she wishes she either did not have them both removed or wishes she had gotten reconstruction. I was her caregiver at the time and saw how difficult everything was on her. I am 44 years old and was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer that spread to my speen and liver. The doctor seemed to think I was going to die almost immediately. It was 9 month ago yesterday since I was diagnosed. I figured that if the doctor had already written me off, I would trust my life in the Lord's hands. I was on a vegan diet for a couple months. I have not had surgery, chemo, or radiation.  I am using a lot of prayer and have hospice coming in. This may not work for everyone. Quite a few people I know said that I look much better now than I did during my diagnosis. I know I feel better than I have in a long time. I realized that doctors don't know when any of us will die for sure. Don't be too concerned with the statistics you read or what doctors tell you as they don't tend to tell the complete story.

yamster34 said:

My mom is a breast cancer

My mom is a breast cancer survivor. She had a double mastectomy without reconstruction. She was 69 years old at the time. She often talks about her breasts like she wishes she either did not have them both removed or wishes she had gotten reconstruction. I was her caregiver at the time and saw how difficult everything was on her. I am 44 years old and was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer that spread to my speen and liver. The doctor seemed to think I was going to die almost immediately. It was 9 month ago yesterday since I was diagnosed. I figured that if the doctor had already written me off, I would trust my life in the Lord's hands. I was on a vegan diet for a couple months. I have not had surgery, chemo, or radiation.  I am using a lot of prayer and have hospice coming in. This may not work for everyone. Quite a few people I know said that I look much better now than I did during my diagnosis. I know I feel better than I have in a long time. I realized that doctors don't know when any of us will die for sure. Don't be too concerned with the statistics you read or what doctors tell you as they don't tend to tell the complete story.

eihtak said:

debv.....

Hi

I am sorry for the situation you find yourself in. A little over 3 yrs ago I was diagnosed with Secretory Carcinoma of the breast (a rare bc accounting for <1% of all breast cancers). Treatment was a mastectomy and I chose to have a double.

For me reconstruction was not an option as this came just a year after being treated for Stage 3b anal cancer and I was healing from chemo/rad as well as had ostomy surgery.

I can't say for sure what I would have done regarding reconstruction had my situation been different, but have been completely comfortable with out. These decisions are so personal and each individual has to make their own. Whats best for one is not necessarily what feels right for another. I will tell you that I have a smaller build and like the feeling of symmetry in having had a double mastectomy. There have been a few times (mostly only involving dresses) that fitting is a problem, as many have darts and are cut to fit breasts! I occasionally wear a lightly padded sports type bra just to add some shape and easier fit, but also go without. (Much cooler and more comfortable in warm weather)

Scarfs are another great way to feel balanced as well.

Since I deal with long term issues related to my initial anal cancer and was recently treated for a recurrance in my lung, I am thankful to have a little less worry of recurrance of the breast cancer. While there are never any guarantees in these matters I have no regrets in having had the mastectomies.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you come to a decision that feels right for you and wishing you health and peace as you move forward.

katheryn

I was also diangosed with IDC.   I had a double mastectomy, lymph nodes on the right removed.   Expanders were placed at the time of my surgery.   I have since had my implants put in.  I don't regret a minute of my decision.   I didn't want to take a chance of the cancer coming back in my left breast so the double mastectomy seemed like the only right decision for me.  You have to do what is right for you - not anyone else.   

I was diagnosed with dcis and had lumpectomy and radiation. A year later, had reoccurence and mastectomy. I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. My breasts look wonderful. I am 54 and my breast look 23, per husband and friends. I'm not bashful. However, if you do reconstruction make sure you have a great surgeon do lots of research. Best of luck to you.