F46
Boobs n Balls - Chop or chance it?
September 08 2016
Comments
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RHP User
8 years ago
easy to say when not faced with the decision but I would likely opt for the removal and lowering my chances . I couldn't risk it.
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RHP User
8 years ago
I would probably wait for the diagnosis of bad news before having pre-emptive surgery based on genetic factors.Removing sugar and cigarettes from my diet out of fears for my future health is one thing, but I doubt I wouldbe so quick to opt for surgery. However, I have already made up my mind that a vasectomy is in my near future as I want to remove the chance of any unplanned children for the rest of my life. I'll have my hands full looking after my own future. Shows where I put my priorities, I guess.
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MsSuperFoxy
8 years ago
Some things, I like to keep private and is very personal to me. The big C is serious and something very personal with me and my family right now. It's not something I am happy to share openly in the forums but I do know exactly where you are coming from OP. Ms Foxy xx
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RHP User
8 years ago
I'm sorry to hear this is a decision you, or anyone needs to face. Hugs Soft. It would be easy for me to say I would definitely make so-and-so decision, but until I am faced with the actual decision, it's hypothetical. I know a majority of carriers will pursue the removal option, but I'm sure there are other options to be explored. It would be good to be in touch with specific people/groups who are making these decisions in real time as well. And who have already gone through these decisions. I'm sure there are many of them, and a Dr or Oncologist could suggest these. Might be a good idea to have an advocate to come along to meetings with the health professionals, to make sure your questions are remembered and can listen in, or take a tape recorder (if that is ok with the professional) as I am sure you'll be bombarded with lots of information, in an emotive state, so it might not all be taken in at the time. Then you can listen back with other important people in your life. I know people who have had removal, and people who have opted for monitoring. A friend of mine gets some sort of scan thing (I'm so technical), which is much more than a regular mammogram, which I know is an out of pocket expense. I'm having lunch with her next week. If it is a day that she is able to talk about cancer, I'll certainly ask her more about it, and let you know. My thoughts are with you and your family, lovely lady.
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RHP User
8 years ago
About the whole process is how different the requirements are for genetic testing within each state of Australia and in comparison to other countries. For example - they will not test a woman for the CDKN2A (melanoma) gene which increases your risk of both breast and melanoma here because it's Australia and we are the melanoma capital of the world. I have further risk factors apart from those state above but it's $1,100 for a blood test as I'm not eligible for free testing in Qld. However I am in NSW because their criteria are different. It's $700 for the private geneticists consultation. In the UK, US etc if a man is diagnosed with breast cancer - they are automatically test for the gene. But here they do not. And other familial cancers are the same. I personally will opt for them to take everything. You can get natural looking breast implants, which might not be an option if you are diagnosed and need radiation therapy. But a preventative surgery with implants is $30,000. And there have been ladies diagnosed with the gene that have developed ovarian or breast cancer while on the public waiting list. I guess the bottom line is if you can afford testing and preventative surgery then that's fantastic. But best of luck if you can't. Although this thread seems like it's all to do with lady parts, men's are just as important 😉
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RHP User
8 years ago
I'm actually not worried too much about breast cancer. I had resigned myself to the fact that the odds are against me even without a BRCA gene. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect and can be a silent killer. And I'm concerned for my children more. Whether their future will be affected by a gene. And Pepper thanks for that. I've already seen a breast specialist, had phone consults with genetic counsellors etc, been on forums. There isn't any information about both parents having breast cancer - excepting one Swedish study which says they estimate the chances are increased tenfold. But not even the specialists know. The good thing is my mums Breast cancer was a rarer form, and hardly ever linked to the BRCA gene.
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lovman8
8 years ago
And I would hate to have to make that decision. As I have mentioned previously just this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and tests indicated that it was contained in the prostate so I chose to have it removed, which I did. Unfortunately removal did not get all the cancer and I need to undergo more treatment. As a result of the operation my penis has lost all sexual function. Ability to get erections may come back but I will never ejaculate again. Now the point of this poor me story is at times I find myself quite depressed at this loss and wonder if I would have been happier and perhaps just as well off if I'd kept my prostate and sexual function and just had the hormone and radiotherapy treatment as I am finding my still high libido is causing some frustration. So think over any decision carefully and make a sure as possible it the right one for you.
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RHP User
8 years ago
Speaking on behalf of my other half, been there. Testicular cancer which started in the back due to cells left behind balls dropped. That tumour was removed and future checks revealed a thickening in one of the testes. That's gone now. All good and this was over a decade ago. To remove the other would need solid evidence considering the effect on the sex drive! Peachy
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AnnieWhichway
8 years ago
Boobs yes Balls no Big difference. Female remains functional with a future new silcone set Male become unfunctional with new pair of glass marbles.
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RHP User
8 years ago
One part of me says that I would wait until a diagnosis because I know several people who've survived breast cancer, but like Summer I thought of Angelina Jolie when I read your post. Her reasons for having the radical surgeries were, as Summer also said, she wanted to be around for her children. That really hit home when I read that. And yes Soft, ovarian cancer scares the hell out of me, with often no early symptoms. Hugs to you xx
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RHP User
8 years ago
Hugs to you xx
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RHP User
8 years ago
Quoting 'SoftandCurious' But ovarian cancer is hard to detect and can be a silent killer. Both of my mum's sisters died of ovarian cancer. Her oldest sister died before genetic testing was available but her other sister had it done, apparently it was negative. I'm still going to need to be pretty vigilant about possible symptoms though, particularly since one of my cousins on that side has had breast cancer now too, at a fairly young age. Apparently they are getting pretty close to having a screening test available for ovarian cancer which would be a huge development. Because the symptoms can be so vague and similar to so many other conditions it's often not caught until it's pretty much too late, which was the case with both of my aunts. I actually can't say for sure what I would do in the type of situation you've outlined Soft. I think I'd probably opt for surgical removal but it would depend on a few factors. I know I don't want children so having a hysterectomy or the ovaries removed wouldn't be an issue for me at all. However things end up going for you I wish you all the best, and send you big hugs x
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RHP User
8 years ago
LovMan8 So sorry to hear about your personal journey. I have worked with many men who have had prostate cancer and have achieved some erectile function and internal orgasm with patience and bodywork. Even without these things though you can still enjoy sensuality which can be just as enjoyable. They tell me that the sensual touch and connection is very important and makes them feel like a man by being able to please a woman in other ways and really concentrate on the connection rather than the act of intercourse. It's amazing what human touch can achieve in retaining confidence and seeing yourself as a sexual being with wants and needs that can still be satisfied, just a little differently. SoftandcuriousI'm so glad to hear that you are seeking help and counselling under very difficult circumstances. I've had both cervical and breast cancer both thankful caught early and treated successfully. Vigilance is very important particularly in your circumstances. I am very convinced that the body reacts to stress in very negative ways so please be mindful of your stress levels and find ways to grieve the possibilities, accept them but most importantly be able to get on with living no matter what happens. Take joy where you find it and live in the moment. I hope all turns out positively for you.
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lily1970
8 years ago
Although I have not had the genetic testing done,Both my Grandmothers and my mother and father have all had breast cancer, I also have the triple?whammy of having a melanoma some years ago.Would I have surgery? No, id wait for a diagnosis. Just my opinion.
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aussian43
8 years ago
Any surgery has its own risks, I would be very hesitant to undergo any major operation on just the chance it would prevent something developing, which may not even happen. Would be researching the symptoms though, and keeping a watch for them. (No dear, I am not scratching my balls, I am doing a preventative medical self examination). Good luck, hope it all works out for you!
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RHP User
8 years ago
Whatever you decide to do just sending hugs. When you have young children the decision becomes doubly difficult but I do understand why Angelina choose to do what she did xx Q
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RHP User
8 years ago
Ya poor bigger *hugs and shit* Sorry you're in this situation..... Most people know however I'm pretty much against any type of surgery for merely mitigating risk....I still believe that surgery is a last resort as our early detection systems are damn good.... So.... I asked a very good friend of mine who has been through breast cancer, and subsequently lost one of her breasts...at the time, she was pregnant, and with 3 weeks to go in her pregnancy they operated to remove her breast. Anyway I asked her, IF she could turn back time and have all the tests would she remove her breast to mitigate her risk? I also asked if I could share her story with you guys as she's not a member....I offered her this post before posting it here, she declined as she trusted me.....but I sent it to her anyway as I can't post someone else's story without them reading it and giving consent.... She answered.... "What a lot of people don't understand is the emotional impact not having one or both of your breasts removed. I waited 18 months to have reconstruction surgery just so I could see myself as a complete woman again. My muscle that would normally be around my breast is gone, and my skin attaches itself to the bone that's left if I don't massage it constantly to prevent it. It's painful if it does become attached......my doctor is also all over those tests, they keep a very close eye on you if you test positive to the gene tests. So to answer the question would I choose to lose a breast before I was diagnosed with cancer?? I say no. Unless you HAVE to live with the surgery like do, and mine wasn't voluntary, why would you choose it when mammograms are free and plentiful?? Why stop at breasts too?? My doctors have said that IF cancer returns to me, it'll be either cervical or bone cancer, then what?? I'm pretty much fucked then aren't I ??" If I could write a book about someone's story of adversity survival, I'd choose this woman. Her strength in surviving cancer, and losing her relationship to the father of her two kids, is one that should be heard by as many people as possible. She's a remarkable woman that still smiles and says "fuck you" to anything she's sees as an obstacle in her way of achieving what she desires.... - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
8 years ago
Your very personal stories and opinions with me. Lovman I'm so sorry to hear, I've been wondering how you're going. Ms Foxy sending hugs to you and your family. Peachy I'm glad to hear it's been 10 years now - that's fantastic! Luck - new genes are being identified all the time and new treatments discovered. It would be amazing if there was an easier way to identity both risk and early detection. Doitwithpassion - thank you for sharing your story, you're a survivor! And completely spot on about stress! Lily1970 - of all the places to hear of someone who has had both parents with breast cancer! What are the chances? Thanks for sharing your story and how you're approaching it. It's good to hear from someone in a similar position. Breast cancer gets the most advertising and awareness of all the cancers which is great because it's so common these days.However it would be good to see even more awareness for male cancers, and the rarer female cancers also. Movember is coming up for the lads! And a new campaign called "Save the Box" is aimed at gynaecological cancer. I just saw the statistics - 15 women get diagnosed with gynaecological cancer everyday. Something I was completely unaware of. For me - I will be aware and alert - but not alarmed. I just ask everyone to keep checking their bits for changes 😘
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RHP User
8 years ago
I was typing mine while yours came up! She sounds like such a strong and inspirational woman! Please thank her for me for sharing with us. I understand what she's going through - obviously not directly - but I held my mums hand through all of her surgeries and treatments. First was a lumpectomy just removing the three tumors. Second was a mastectomy because the cancer was more invasive than they thought. She had a decent set of boobs like me 😉 So she was left with one very large breast and nothing on the other side. Chemotherapy and radiation. And then 3 furthers surgeries to try and make everything more comfortable. The skin fusing to the chest wall, restricted arm movement etc. sounds similar to your friend. She had a reduction on her remaining breast. And then a reconstruction. Which involves taking a section of her stomach along with muscle. It was the most invasive surgery I have seen - and I've seen a lot. An implant wasn't an option for her because of the radiation she received. I guess apart from the reduced risk preventative surgery might provide - I love my boobs. They are annoying and I struggle to buy nice lingerie to fit the buggers into. Buying dresses is hard because they are so big. But despite this - I love them. And after watching my mumma go through so many surgeries to have some sort of breasts, the easier and less painful option is preventative surgery. It doesn't take the risk away completely but it lowers it significantly. And testing for me still isn't free. I have another two years before I reach that stage. Every time I have a mammogram I also have to have an ultrasound - women under 40 have denser breast tissue. And every time I have one - they find a suspicious lump. Which means either a FNA or core biopsy. It costs me roughly $550 each time before Medicare and then I'm still out of pocket a couple of hundred dollars.
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lily1970
8 years ago
Softand curious Please see your doctor about the cost. Ive had yearly mammograms since I was 35 and never had to pay for one? Not sure what state your in, but ring Breastscreen Queensland, they should see you for free....or in your own state if not in QLD
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RHP User
8 years ago
I will ring them on Monday. I've only just turned 38 which was the age the oncologist told me I would need testing fro when mum was diagnosed. Unfortunately they always need to ultrasound me too. But it's saves some money at least!
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RHP User
8 years ago
I'm time poor at the moment so please forgive for not reading all the comments, I fly into the forum and fly out, really busy with work, but I'm so sorry you have this horrible noose around your neck. Cancer has affected so many people, for me, not in my immediate family but my ex's family and much like your story, devastating. My ex lost both his parents, his father had heart problems and was waiting for a heart transplant, it never came in time, he had a massive heart attack and died young, this is going back to when i was first married or at least in the early years. Terrible, and then his Mum, who everyone loved, including me, had breast cancer years ago. She was in hospital having her lymph glands I think? removed at the same time I was giving birth to my first child, same hospital, different ward, and the upsetting thing there is she never told us, she actually came to get me when I went into labour, my husband was fifo and away at work, I was gonna have the baby fast and she drove me to the next town, we only just made it to the hospital. Through all of that, she never mentioned the cancer, but was in there a few days later being operated on. She had treatment and went into remission or the cancer was gone, for about 17 years, when it came back as bone cancer and was terminal. We lived up north at the time, and she and her partner came to visit, and broke the news that she would probably live another 3 years at best, but there was no cure, she would die. And that was pretty bang on unfortunately. She called us into the hospital after enduring endless treatments and her body was shutting down, horrible nose bleeds and so on, and told us she was taking herself off treatment. That was the worst day. She would die within a week, and she did. My husband would then have no parents, that killed me, I wanted to help him, but I couldn't. My heart breaks for you. You're so young and to have lost your Mother, that's the worst thing. My Mother turns 80 in a few months, how lucky I am to still have her. Sorry, the point I wanted to make was that my mother in law had a rare type of cancer, which she didn't know in the early years. It was only discovered years later. She asked them the question, when she contracted bone cancer, had she had a full mastectomy all those years ago, would that have saved her life of stopped it? The answer was no, wouldn't have made any difference, because of her rare form of the cancer. Only one other couple I've known have had to make this choice, and the words from the husband blew me away at the time. A couple we knew through the squash club, she had breast cancer, he told her to have a full mastectomy, he loved her no matter what and he told us that it wouldn't change how he felt about her, he wanted her to live, he loved her desperately, and that was so amazing. She did have the full mastectomy. This many years on, I don't know what ever happened after that, so can't comment on that, we moved on, as did they. My sister has been fighting leukaemia for years, and ended up having a bone marrow transplant with bone marrow generated from baby's umbilical cord, finally was looking like surviving, and now has a melanoma, so cruel, she said that will now kill her. We have never been close, always felt inadequate around her, because she's an amazing person, but I've always looked up to her and can't imagine her not here. If there's any chance a mastectomy might save your life, if it were me, I'd lose them, you can have surgery to reconstruct, and your sexuality will still be there, your life is more important, but a massive decision to make, yours and yours alone xx
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RHP User
8 years ago
the genetic thing was very much in play, Grandmother had died of breast cancer and I think it was the same rare form but not 100% sure of that. But my ex's sister now has an uncertain future and genetic testing was discussed, she may have already done it, I don't know. But the thing there is that a mastectomy might not help her, although if the gene is present, that would help at least give the heads up for required tests and so on xx
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RHP User
8 years ago
One thing to consider with breast cancer is that having preventative surgery is a different type of surgery. If you have preventative surgery the underlying breast tissue is removed and replaced with implants. The skin, nipple, nerves etc are not touched and thus good reconstruction outcomes are visibly indistinguishable. If you wait and get a mastectomy after diagnosis than everything where the cancer may persist needs to be removed, not just the breast tissue but the overlying skin, nipple, lymph nodes etc. The breast must then be reconstructed over a 6 month period and the outcome is only indistinguishable when you are wearing cloths. On top of this the reconstructed "breast" has none of the sensations of the removed breast. From experience we can tell you that in retrospect you would be regretting the decision to wait until diagnosis. We are happy to share our experience in this respect but not in a public forum. - Posted from rhpmobile
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