My Breast Perspective

Prophylactic (preventative) mastectomy was first suggested to me when I was 30. Even though I tested negative for the known breast cancer genes, my family history and dense breast tissue made my risk score very high.  At the time, my doctors suggested continual monitoring with yearly mammography and monthly breast exams. But, they explained that as I aged my risk would continue to increase and that more interventions may be needed. Eventually my risk would be high enough that even insurance would support (pay for) preventative options like mastectomy. It was less of a question of if I would get breast cancer – more of when.

At that stage in my life I had just had our second child and was in the enjoyable (yet exhausting!) phase of young motherhood, so I tucked these thoughts away in the back of my mind.

When I turned 40 my doctor added breast MRI’s to my yearly mammogram routine – alternating each screening every 6 months. I creatively worked the breast MRIs into the schedule when I had met my deductible because they are so expensive.  Also, I live in the middle of Wyoming, so each time I have a breast MRI I have to travel 3 hours each way.  To see my oncology specialist was a 5 1/2 hours trip to Denver every year to review my screenings. Fitting these appointments in between family time, school and work schedules, friends or just about anything wasn’t easy – but I made it a priority. 

Now, I’m not typically the type to get flustered by medical interventions, as I work in the healthcare field. However, every time I would have a screening appointment I was reminded of my mom’s battle with breast cancer and her early death. Each time I get screened it reminds me that life is precious and prioritizing quality of life is my goal.  I try to stay grounded in recognizing the value of living each moment to the fullest, which has been a key factor of success in my life journey.  I call it My Breast Perspective. 

I like being proactive instead of reactive and having this perspective has helped me to prioritize preventive health as a means of living a quality life. 

When I turned 49, I started thinking about the next step in my breast health journey because my age had increased my risk score to the point where I needed to be more proactive. I made appointments with my breast oncologist (who I’ve gone to for preventative screenings since I was 19 – that’s 30 years!!), and he went through my preventative health options:  (1) continue aggressive screening (mammograms and MRI’s yearly) with the goal of catching cancer early to start treatments and increase my survival odds, (2) start tamoxifen (a hormone blocking agent with lots of side effects) for a possible 50% risk reduction, or (3) have a prophylactic mastectomy which would decrease my breast cancer risk to less that 1% .  

Since you’re here, you know I made the decision to have a preventive mastectomy with reconstruction.  My recent mammogram and breast MRI were clear so the time was right for me to pursue this option.  As a side note, timing is a whole other topic because I don’t know if there’s ever a good time to add in a surgery.  

My surgery is scheduled for mid August and honestly, I’m f#!king nervous but incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take action and decrease my odds of getting breast cancer.

From my breast perspective, this is the right choice for me.