Still here & BRCA elective Mastectomy

[Emsymits]

Hi all! Just thought I’d pop my head up and say hello and that I’m still here. 🎉

As I’m now 6 years 😱 post OC treatment I’ve taken the plunge and am having the operation to remove my potentially life threatening boobs! (I found out post OC that I’m BRCA 1 so have a ridiculously high chance of getting breast cancer too!)

So far they’ve done stage 1 which is a reduction & lift and in a few months I’ll have the rest removed and implants put in.

Just incase anyone else has found out they’re BRCA just thought I’d say don’t rule this out as an option.

Love to all you ladies

Em

X

[delia2]

It’s good to hear from you! I think you’re brave to have the mastectomy. I feel fatalistic about it with my PALB2 mutation (58%) chance of breast cancer but you’re a lot younger than I am.

[Emsymits in reply to delia2]

My lifetime risk is more 70-80% unfortunately. I'm already the wrong side of a 50:50 chance so I decided to go for it.

[Schnauzer19]

Hi, I’ve just been upstaged from 1c3 to 3a2 HGSOC due to microscopic cells on my omentum, so very good to read your post as I’m very scared what the future holds having this horrible disease.

[Emsymits in reply to Schnauzer19]

Well I’m still here after 6 years and it had spread to my lymph nodes so 🤞! Live life to the full is my attitude. It hard not to be scared and sometimes I give in to that fear for a few moments but it wastes the time you have. Don’t let fear rob you of your enjoyment of life. 🤗

[Schnauzer19 in reply to Emsymits]

😊😊

[Zssu]

Em, you are courageous and will feel empowered taking control of this risk level you have. I have now had everything removed and feel so much happier, and as it happens it was very fortunate that I did so. Good luck

[Goodgirl98]

hi Em, what a warrior you are!! I am close to 2 years in after diagnosed as 3B hgs OC brca1 positive and currently on olaparib. The full mastectomy is definitely on my mind but docs have asked me to think about it after the olaparib course is over. Currently I do mammograms once a year. If I may ask, what finally made you go for it? What is the anticipated recovery time and challenges to prepare for? I am currently 46 and want to give myself the best chance to see my teens grow and play with my grandkids!

[Emsymits in reply to Goodgirl98]

I had an aunt who had breast cancer - no idea if she was BRCA though (no one else with OC)I asked loads of questions about % Breast risks by age and whether having OC lessened my risk of breast cancer. There’s no reduction in risk 🙄 I’m 53 now and I’m now the wrong side of a 50:50 risk and every year it gets worse. I had annual MRI & mammograms but they’re not foolproof . I decided to go for it now whilst my body isn’t battling anything else and my risk should lessen to around 5%. I’d prefer to be only worrying about OC not BC as well! 🤞 good luck with your decision and ask loads of questions! x

[Goodgirl98 in reply to Emsymits]

Thank you. I will think along those lines. And so wonderful that you could decide and go ahead with it. That's really wise.

[Motiva]

Thanks Em. Hope the next surgery goes smoothly. I have had one mastectomy and implant. It has not been affected by time and the natural droop. Having a matching pair would have been better!

The surgery for me was very straightforward and healed uneventfully, unlike the abdominal surgery.

Best wishes,

Frances x

[Emsymits in reply to Motiva]

Thankfully I’ve now got a pair of matching boobies that are nicely lifted too 🤣 benefit of being a big boobed lady they decided to do a reduction & lift first !