Should i have this operation done??

Question

im 19 and have been told by my doctor that i may be able to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction on the NHS if i decide i want to.

my mum got breast cancer when she was 34 and died when she was 42, 5 years ago. i was her carer and watched her get worse and worse every day.

i would do anything to stop this from happening to me as she was in so much pain and constantly in and out of hospital. she had no quality of life towards the end, and seeing my mum like this will scar me for life.

i went to the doctor to see if i can be scanned every year or so to check im dont have breast cancer, but she said i cant be tested till im 40!!!! so the only other option is the matectomy and reconstruction.

so i really want this operation to make sure i never ever get cancer. i know its a big operation but i think its totally worth it

whats your opinion?? no nasty remarks please this is a sensitive topic to me.

Answer 1

I am sure you can have a scan before you are 40 - just not on the NHS meaning that you would have to pay for it. But Surely that is a better option than taking such a drastic measure - especially at your age!
Make sure you keep an eye for for any signs and seek a doctors opinion if you find anything.
Good luck

Answer 2

This is a HUGE life altering decision that you should really think about and hear opinions from doctors about.

IMO, you are 19, and you may not even GET breast cancer.

I agree with the "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

I am sorry to hear about your mom. I understand that you are still reeling from your lose but I really do not think you should go to these drastic measures.

Who's to say that you won't get another form of cancer? If you get this operation done, what happens when you end up getting cervical cancer or something?

There are too many what if's that I would not get it done.

Answer 3

Hey slow down, you can get scanned once a year if you want to only you would have to get it done privately, I would go to GP again or see another one in the practise and explain your fears. Bupa do a Well Woman health check you could have it done by them and that would set you r mind at rest.

Having your breast removed is such a traumatic procedure for a woman and bad enough if she has to let alone because there is a possibility of getting cancer.. Please reconsider this very carefully before you think of having a mastectomy. At 19 years you have your whole life ahead of you and psychologically the loss of your breasts would be hard to come to terms with and if you wanted to have children do you really not want to be able to breast feed them if you wanted to. As I said earlier go and get a Bupa Well woman health check and discuss with them before you decide upon this drastic step,,, I wish you well and good luck to to you.

Answer 4

No, don't do it. If no masses are detected upon breast exam, then right now you have no problem, and a mastectomy is not in your best interest.

Typically, women do begin yearly mammograms at the age of 40. I can't understand why your doctor won't go ahead and order one for you since you do have a family history of breast cancer, she should do it at least for your well-being so that you can be assured nothing is going on.

Speak to your doctor again or find one who will do right by you.

Answer 5

just remember cancer is not just in the breasts cancer can spread anywhere in the body my advice is to leave it for now as you may never developer cancer my mum had this and i am 47 and am fine so it does not effect everyone you say your mum got breast cancer at 34 but your only 19 why not wait until a bit later on in life and get regular checkups then .I know how much this is worrying you but you are a bit to young to decide on this op at this young age and you need people around you .get reassurance with a councillor they will be very helpful .

Answer 6

My mum died of breat cancer at 40 my aunt also had it but survived,so I am high risk.Speak to your GP about family history clinic I go once a yeat for a check and mamogramm I am 38 have been going for 3 years.The double masectomy is extreme ,although I can understand how some women consider it.Dont forget you also are 50% your fathers genes so it doesnt automatically mean you are going to develop it because your mum had it.I know its hard ,research all your options first.xxx

Answer 7

It's better to get the scans done every year or two as well as the in office exam done by your doctor and self exam at home (cheaper for one).

Also, no I don't think you should have the surgery because of your age. But please discuss this issue at length with your primary care physician if you haven't already and get several more opinions from other gynecologists (preferably ones that do not share the same office of the doctor you see).

Answer 8

no no no, just because they wont test you till your 40 doesnt mean you cant get tested yourself get some healthcare like bupa its like £30 a month and well worth it and then you can get tested when you want. why would you want to harm your body for something that might never happen i know its scary but you are 19 and who's to say in the next 20 years they dont find a cure for it? and what stopping you getting other illnesses are you just gunna just cut bits out because your scared you will get ill. in my opinion as i dont know you is not to do it but if you have your heart set on it then there is no reason trying to persuade you otherwise.

Answer 9

This is a big decision, take your time, could have implications if you want to breast feed in the future. My mother had breast cancer too and i decided against it as did my sister, but everyone is different, perhaps you should look to aunts and grandmothers to see if there are more people who have had it in your family.

Answer 10

wow your doctor doesnt give you much help.By telling you that you can have major surgery but cannot get scanned until you are 40 is just so pathetic.Change your doctor and get help with someone more understanding.Im sure that you will be able to have regular scans and check ups before you reach 40.Really wish you all the best