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Considering Whether To Stick With Single Mastectomy Or Go Ahead And Do A Double
I was recently been diagnosed with invasive lobular left breast stage 1
Ok, I will try to make some sense of it- when they do a biopsy, they take a sample of the tumor, and they will test that tumor to identify "receptors". The receptors are what tell the cells of the tumor to make more of themselves, the more they make, the bigger the tumor grows. To date, researchers have identified three receptors, and they will test for each of those.
ER is an Estrogen Receptor
PR is a Pregesterone Receptor, and both of these are referred to as Hormone Receptors.
Then there is one that is actually a protein receptor, and that is the
HER2 Human Epidermal
A person can test positive for any of these, and that would be reported as ER+, PR+, HER2+.
A negative means the test did not show that particular receptor, so, ER-, PR-, HER2-
A person can have more than one receptor, or all three (Triple Positive) or none of those three (Triple Negative)
Knowing what receptors are passing on the messages to reproduce, helps determine what drugs would be the most effective. I am HER2+, so a drug meant to counter hormone receptors would be of no benefit to me, just as my drugs would be ineffective for someone with hormone+ receptors.
My husband early on would get excited when he heard about a treatment or promising research for HR+. It took some practice to listen for HR+ as Hormone Positive, vs, HER2+
There is so much to learn, and it's a ongoing process for all of us! Hugs
When deciding between a single mastectomy (unilateral) and a double mastectomy (bilateral), consider the following points from the knowledge base:
Single Mastectomy (Unilateral)
- Definition: Removal of one breast
- Indications:
- If you have cancer in one breast.
- If you cannot have radiation therapy.
- If you Show Full Answer
I have a friend who was also Stage 1, but she has other pre-existing conditions that take her out of being a candidate for radiation, so the recommendation was mastectomy. Another person I know tested positive for a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, and so the mastectomy was the recommended protocol because of the high likelihood of recurrence.
I am sure there are other scenarios that would come into play as well.
Hugs!
I was wondering why a lumpectomy isn't sufficient for stage one? Is her cancer HER2 positive or negative? Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm new to this & trying to educate myself.
I considered it, and decided just to rock the unicorn life. I pop the prosthetic in and go. To do both would mean longer surgery, more limitations (instead of just one side being limited in range, lifting, etc) a second area that could have complications, scar tissue buildup, etc. If I had a crystal ball, and could see that I healed with no problems- I might have done both, and just stayed flat altogether. But since there is no guarantee- I played it safe. No regrets, just wish women didn't even have to consider these choices- still praying for a cure and a preventative! Hugs!
Having Difficulty Deciding About Whether To Do A Single Or Double Mastectomy ?
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Single Mastectomy Or Double, Which Is Better?
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