Bi-Rads 3 Classification

I was diagnosed with Stage 2B, triple negative invasive ductile breast cancer (3 tumors) with some DCIS 2 1/2 years ago. I had ACT Chemotheraphy for 18 weeks followed by a mastectomy. No lymph node involvement. At the time, I was a 54-yr old post-menopausal caucasian woman. Cancer was non-palpable and did not show up on a mammogram; diagnosed thru ultrasound and needle biopsies. My mother also took DES while I was in utero.

My last two mammograms on my remaining breast have been classified as BiRads 3. I have been advised to return again in six months for another round of mammograms. I am considering a prophylactic mastectomy. Any advice?

[japdip]

Mastectomy sounds a bit drastic .... the 6 month follow-up demonstrates that you are receiving good medical care. It would be strictly a personal decision but finding a Surgeon to agree to a mastectomy might be a problem.

[Mukenhimer]

Hi Susie,

I'm a 31 (30 at the time) year old cancer "survivor" who was diagnosed with a 2.1 cm IDC in my left breast.  When told my treatment options (and after knowing so many survivors), I opted for the mastectomy on the left and a prophylactic mastectomy on the right.  Every survivor I know ABSOLUTELY panics when it's time for their next mastectomy or blood test.  Being so young (if only here!) I decided I didn't want to chance it and put myself through that kind of anxiety every year.  Treatment options are SUCH a personal choice that it's hard to really advise someone what is best for them.  For me, I wanted to make sure that if I got diagnosed again, there was nothing I could look back on and say, "if I'd only...."  I chose to be overly aggressive in treating mine and some don't (apparently lumpectomies and mastectomies have the same recurrence rate).  As frustrating as it is, you'll be hard pressed to find someone who'll tell you what options are right for you!  Sorry, hope this helps!

[Mukenhimer]

Sorry for the typo-I meant to say they panic when it's time for their next mammo or blood test!