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Treatment Decisions

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Removed ovaries and Hysterectomy

First post and replies | Last post by naan05, 6 months ago

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After radiation, my oncologist told me that I would have to get ovarian suppression shots every 28 days to stop my cycle and keep me in menopause. I got the shots for 8 months and decided it would be easier to get my ovaries removed so I would no longer need the shots. The OB who did my ovary removal surgery recommended I get a hysterectomy at the same time. Luckily I was able to get both procedures done during my reconstruction surgery.

By naan05 6 months ago

Testing gave me comfort

First post and replies | Last post by SharonT, 7 months ago

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I did the testing even though it wasn't covered. I have daughters and enough of a history of cancer on one side that I thought I should do it. It was an easy blood draw and not a bad wait, maybe three weeks? I was negative for everything, which made me feel better. I know that most cancers are not genetic but still it gave me a little comfort.

By SharonT 7 months ago

I chose a lumpectomy

First post and replies | Last post by SharonT, 7 months ago

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I originally thought I would have a mastectomy, and I spent some time thinking about whether I would take the other breast too and whether I would want to keep my nipples. Then when I got more specifics on my diagnosis, I heard that the survival statistics for my cancer were the same for lumpectomy and mastectomy, so I had a lumpectomy. It was a quick recovery, and my breast still looks the same. You can't even see the scar because the incision was made along the border of the nipple so it blends in. I'm comfortable with my decision.

By SharonT 7 months ago

I was in 3 trials

First post and replies | Last post by MindyLou, 7 months ago

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A clinical trial helps us (potentially) and others. I agreed to 3 studies that were low enough risk that I felt I would not receive significant harm and would potentially benefit. These were 2017 studies that KU was participating in and that I qualified for: 1. Sentinel node biopsy in place of axillary node dissection. I opted into this to lessen chances from lymphedema if spared and axillary node dissection. Since I had 3 positive sentinel nodes (the 4 nodes closest to the tumor in the breast), I left this study. It was important for m...

By MindyLou 7 months ago

I was offered the testing

First post and replies | Last post by MindyLou, 7 months ago

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I had an aunt and a great aunt with breast cancer. My father died of prostate cancer. My testing (circa 2017) showed two mutations that were not related to any of these. My oncologist was not at all concerned about these. I felt good being able to tell my sister and nieces that I was negative for any known genetic mutation that they could have inherited.

By MindyLou 7 months ago

I never considered not to have surgery

First post and replies | Last post by MindyLou, 7 months ago

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I was 53 at diagnosis and had stage IIb (stage IIIa post-op as my positive node total was 3). Surgery/treatment for early stage (I-III) intraductal breast cancer is a no-brainer for me. I suppose if I would have been over 90 or had significant other serious health issues such that my life expectancy (due to those issues) was limited, I might have opted for no surgical or other treatment.

By MindyLou 7 months ago

My thoughts on using own tissue (DIEP flap)

First post and replies | Last post by MindyLou, 7 months ago

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I ended up choosing a lumpectomy, but was also offered mastectomy. Had I chosen mastectomy in 2017, I would have had the implants. Although initially tempted by an insurance-covered tummy tuck, there was much that could go wrong with the DIEP flap. In 2017, it was one day in the ICU to monitor the arterial flow and make sure there was no obstruction. Another issue in 2017 was the radiologists were not as experienced reading mammograms on a breast with DIEP flap reconstruction. This is likely different in 2024, but in 2017 I opted not to d...

By MindyLou 7 months ago

I chose lumpectomy

First post and replies | Last post by MindyLou, 7 months ago

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I was offered: 1. Lumpectomy + axillary lymph node dissection OR sentinel lymph node biopsy (a study at the time) for my Stage IIb R intraductal cancer. This was circa 2017. As sometimes happens, I was later changed to Stage IIIa following surgery as 3 nodes were found to contain cancer. 2. Mastectomy with reconstruction with implants OR DIEP flap. Although initially tempted by an insurance-covered tummy tuck, there was much that could go wrong with the DIEP flap. In 2017, it was one day in the ICU to monitor the arterial flow and m...

By MindyLou 7 months ago

Do the testing.

First post and replies | Last post by Gwoodhood, 7 months ago

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Why? Because it helps the doctor's better understand your treatment path. It also helped in my case, my surgeon know the extent of my surgery. Not to mention it helps move the research needle a little bit.

By Gwoodhood 7 months ago

Keep your nipples if you can.

First post and replies | Last post by Gwoodhood, 7 months ago

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Why not? I felt like I would feel more comfortable and familiar when looking in the mirror and seeing something there that should be. I'm glad I did! It was a minor surgery before my mastectomy that was minimal and totally worth it.

By Gwoodhood 7 months ago

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