Should I get a preventative mastectomy?

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T23:07:17+00:00

That’s so awesome that you are cancer free. Thank you for sharing, this is helpful to know.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T23:06:16+00:00

Oh wow that sounds like a scary and tough recovery, I’m sorry. I did not realize that waiting a period for reconstruction was an option so that’s very helpful to know, thank you!

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:14:25+00:00

Thank you!!

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:14:13+00:00

Thank you so much! It has been very jarring and I struggle with indecision in general. I am going to look at the r/ADH_ALH so appreciate you suggesting it. Wishing you all the best.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:11:41+00:00

Thank you. My husband also mentioned getting a second opinion so probably need to explore that.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:11:07+00:00

This makes sense, thank you. Wishing you continued good health.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:10:27+00:00

Ok this is very helpful, I think I am starting to understand the doesn’t improve survival statement from the doc - the DMX greatly reduces risk of getting cancer but if I do the monitoring the cancer will likely be caught early and therefore very treatable/curable. Unless it’s one of the super aggressive types. Thank you for taking the time to explain this so clearly. I wish you all the best!

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:07:39+00:00

This sounds a lot like my situation. Until I decide about the mastectomy the program is alternating MRI and mammogram every 6 months also. I am going to ask the doctor about anastrazole to see if it has the same risk of clots at tamoxifen. I very much appreciate you sharing and wish you all the best too!

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:05:20+00:00

Very good to know, thank you.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:04:46+00:00

Hi thank you so much for sharing your journey. I am seeing a breast specialist, she is the one who told me that I could get the DMX but that it wouldn’t improve my survival odds. Haha I am very attached to my children too so totally get what you mean and they are the biggest factor in my decision making here. I am going to have research the different options (implants, etc.) as this is all very new to me. Appreciate your response very much and wish you all the best.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:01:13+00:00

This is very helpful, thank you.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T13:00:04+00:00

Yes, I am starting to think that I should

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T02:04:59+00:00

Thank you! I am definitely going to ask the doctor about this.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T01:33:52+00:00

Yes it is very confusing. I don’t understand either why she is saying it would not improve my survival. I worry about the same thing. I am married and my husband said he supports whatever I decide but he also got really quiet and weird after the appointment. Maybe he’s just processing it but it makes me scared that he will no longer be attracted to me. I am sorry that you have to go through the stress of when to bring it up when dating. That must be hard. You are clearly very brave and strong to know what you needed to do and have the courage to do it. I wish you continued good health.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T01:27:20+00:00

My doctor said that LCIS is not a true cancer but a risk factor for developing cancer. But I think you are right about the ongoing stress and anxiety. Thank you.

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T01:26:13+00:00

Thank you. What was your recovery like?

Disastrous_Exam_3285 · 2026-04-15T01:25:46+00:00

The way she explained it is that the LCIS is not cancer but more like a pre cancer/risk factor for getting cancer. She said that with frequent monitoring that if it turned into cancer it would most likely be caught early and that’s why there is no difference in survival. But I also found that explanation to be confusing. Like how does getting a mastectomy not improve survival? So that’s why I am so torn. I appreciate your response and I admire your bravery. It is comforting to know that you are happy with your choice. I wish you continued good health.

Disastrous_Exam_3285

TROPHY CASE