I have known all these fears.Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in 1999.
My anxiety initially centered around recurrence. I had chemo no radiation and mod radical mastectomy. Several years ago one of my cousins diagnosis with breast cancer. I was advised to get genetic testing. Took a while for insurance to approve testing and since there was no other breast cancer in family. There was a history of other cancers in family,vulva,bladder and lung. I am BRCA2 positive. I had hysterectomy and oophprectomy to reduce risk but have not had second mastectomy as a prophylaxis.

I asked my oncologist which is more important mastectomy or gastric bypass. I always worried about recurrence because extra weight and cancers like breast, endometrial, colon and.
What she said to me was that it was best to do the surgery that did the most for my health.
The prophylactic surgery would deal with recurrence of breast cancer and mental health. A gastric bypass could improve prediabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and sleep apnea.

I have not yet decided on a surgeon but I have decided to have gastric bypass. So the journey continues. I figure that I can have tummy tuck along with tram.I have been told that reconstruction of bilateral breasts is better for symmetry.

I understand that the feelings about loss of breast. I elected mastectomy over lumpectomy before I knew I was BRCA. Found out later. And they can do 6 month surveillance once every 6 months I have a mammogram and other 6 months I have breast MRI.

Fear of something can be paralyzing but if you just stay with the moment you may find out that none of this worrying is necessary in negative biopsy and negative screening of genes.
Best of luck.

Michele

Michelle, God bless you.  I am a two time cancer survivor (both prior to WLS), however, neither one of the cancers were cervical.  I battled colo-rectal cancer in 2003 and vaginal cancer along with squameous cell in my lymph nodes and pelvic area in 2004.  I wish I had the information you are looking for but I do not.  What I do have are tons and tons of thoughts and prayers going your way.  Please try to stay positive and if there is anything in the world I can do to help you through this difficult time, please, let me know.

Katherine

  Sorry , and my best wishes. I, too have BC (breast cancer). One of the first things that they told me was that the diet (high protein / low carbs.) that they have us on is perfect for recovery. In fact, they told me that they have to change their other patients to this diet to help their body have the strength to mend and heal. In this area - you are already ahead. Congrats.
  I had the Chemo. already. I am now about 1/2 way thru Rads (radiation). During Chemo., they gave me 2 strong meds. for nausea. They didn't help much, and I lost 30 lbs. - but, the nutrition drinks helped me when I couldn't stand to eat. I also bought Glucerna (nutritional drink - like Ensure, but  with no sugar). I didn't drink them, I made popsickles out of them. (I had mouth sores due to the Chemo., and the popsickles - anything cold - sooth and numb the mouth). It makes the expensive drinks go a LOT further, too. Saves, and is nice to have a 'treat' when you don't feel well. Besides helping the mouth feel better, you are getting good nutrition in case you have nausea. My Drs. are pleased with my labs. (lab tests).
   I know a lot about sites, and info., and such about this subject. Just answer this, and ask for my e-mail address, and I will write.

Thank you Kathy for your candid reply. I appreciate you taking the time to answer me. I did find out Friday that I don't have the gene mutation, so Hurray for that! I still have not made a decison, but am thinging long and hard about all the options.. My biopsy is scheduled for Nov. 7

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with triple neg. VERY Aggressive breast cancer.  I also had 10 out of 14 lymph nodes involved.  I had a lumpectomy, axillary node dissection and chemo and rads.  I did the genetic testing & found I had BRCA 1 gene mutation and an 85 % chance or reoccurrance.  I decided on a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction.  I also had a hysterectomy.  I am a strong believer in the idea that we create our own futures by the choices we make.  I did not want to live my life in fear of reoccurrance, so I had the mastectomy.  Because of the rads, I do not have the results I wanted from the reconstruction, but I am ok with it.

 Bottom line, it is a personal decision, but it is important to think about what you want from the future.  I choose to live without the fear of the monster returning.

Good Luck and if you want to talk, let me know.

Joyce