hysterectomy/mastectomy at once?

[grannyme3]

I'm 41, set for hsyterectomy 10-16-01 due to severe cramping, clots, flooding, etc.- cramps are debilitating now, on pain meds and can't sleep when cramping, even w/these. Strong maternal history of breast cancer- mom, granmom, aunt, great-aunt; i've aready had 8-10 breast biopsies, all benign. last wk. had yrly mammagram, looked suspicious, so set for more detailed one 9-10-01, then my breast surgeon wants to see me. 2 questions- I don't even know which breast has the are in it that they're concerned @, but my l. breast has just started hurting, pretty much like a post-surgery type pain- bad! i am not due for my period, and my breasts have never hurt like this, just get tender. question is, why would this new, bad pain have started? 2nd question- my breast surgeon, who is not the one set to do my hyst., suggeted i have ovaries taken, too due to extremely high breast cancer risk- i'm ok w/that- would it be reasonable to ask that, if both surgeries end up having to be done, that i have both at once? as you can probably tell, i am SO looking forward to my hysterectomy:) thanks!!

[Bonbon3]

A related discussion, hysterectomy following masectomt was started.

[Redbean]

I had a double mastectomy on July 12.  they found cancer in my right breast which they didn't know about.  I'm very happy that I had the double and I think that's a good decision in your case.  Also, no reconstruction.

[healthcareguerilla]

Could you please tell me how your diagnosis of invasive carcinoma was made. The way it's written, it appears that this diagnosis was made purely on the basis of a mammogram. Thank you.

[healthcareguerilla]

What has happened since your 9/10 appointment for a "more detailed" mammogram? You don't mention how or why you happened to have between 8 and 10 previous biopsies, or, over what length of time. Specifically, why were they done, and when? I am also curious about why the breast surgeon would suggest to YOU, rather than to the other surgeon, that you should have your ovaries removed? These two docs absolutely need to talk to each other, and if they won't, I'd find others. Am I correct in thinking that the hysterectomy doc wants to leave your ovaries in tact? Is the breast doc's rationale that by removing your ovaries, you will produce less estrogen...and following that train of thought, somehow reduce your risk of breast cancer? What do you mean when you say, "if both surgery's have to be done"...which both? CCF's reply nicely covers the possibilities in connection with your breast, but not the question of the removal of your ovaries. (And, while it's certainly true that breast pain is not a "common" symptom reported with breast cancer, I can tell you my breast lump was painful and malignant cells were found...but only via aspiration biopsy). Also, how long has this severe cramping, flooding occurred? You say that you have breast pain but are not due for a period...but, based on the flooding, when was your last period? So many changes in our breasts are normal, if not pleasant, often due to hormonal changes/stress, age, etc., etc. And, do I understand correctly that you don't know which breast they are concerned about? I strongly urge you to ask the questions you need to ask, and to learn what you need to know. I don't know your history and I am not a health professional, but why, again, are you having the hysterectomy? I am absolutely not questioning the decision to have it, but I hope that you know. And, you say your breast hurts in a post-surgical fashion. What previous surgeries have you had that you relate your current breast pain with post-surgical pain? Also, do you have any other health problems? Are you taking any medication other than that for pain?

[grannyme3]

Lumpectomy would not be an option for me, as I feel that, due to my extensive family history and age, a mastectomy would be best. also, I don't plan to have reconstructive surgery. actually, i would have bilateral mastectomies, even if cancer were only in 1 breast, as i just don't feel it's worth the risk, and after being w/my mom thru her surgery/recovery, i know what to expect. thanks!

[Crystal85]

Grannyme3;

I had a hysterectomy/mastectomy on 07/17/01.  I am 47 years old. I went to the OB/GYN for excessive bleeding due to fibroids.  While there I had a mammogram and they discovered invasive ductal and invasive lobular carcinoma.

I was very concerned the 'female' problems would interfere with whatever follow-up treatment the cancer would require and the doctors thought in my instance one anesthesia would be better than two.

It was quite a job to get all the doctors in one place at one time!  I had a sentinal node biopsy so had to have pathologist and radiologist in nuclear medicine available in addition to the two surgeons and anesthesiologist (they also threw in a nurse anesthesist for good measure)

The hysterectomy was first and the doctor was able to complete it vaginally (there was the possibility he wouldn't) and then I had a modified radical mastectomy with removal of 10 lymph nodes (4 sentinal).

I did not have any reconstruction done.  My surgery was over 4 hours.  I had TOP NOTCH surgeons and my procedures went textbook perfect.

I feel better today than I have in years!  I am taking Tamoxifen but nothing else.

It can be done, but circumstances must be exactly right.  Let's hope you don't need to...

Crystal

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear grannyme3,  Generally breast pain is due to benign (non-cancerous) conditions.  It is difficult to say why this has suddenly occurred, a possibility could be trauma to the breast, or infection?

Whether both surgeries could be performed at the same time if necessary (and hopefully won't be necessary) that depends on many different factors.  If there is cancer detected in the breast there is the determination of how extensive surgery would need to be done to remove it.  Would a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy be a consideration rather than mastectomy?  Would mastectomy be done in conjunction with immediate reconstruction?  Would both surgeons be able to coordinate their efforts?  Could/should the hysterectomy be postponed?  So the answer is not simple and much would need to be considered as more is revealed regarding the breast.  Make sure both surgeons are aware of what is happening to you overall so efforts can be coordinated that are in your best interest.