Feeling extremely scared

[DejaVooDoo]

I'm just wanting to get some words of wisdom/advice from my fellow Cafemommies.

To make a long story somewhat short, I am going through admissions at my local hospital next week to organise a date and time for a double mastectomy.  I was diagnosed with breast Pre-Cancer in July this year, then found out that I carry a genetic marker for breast cancer itself.  I decided to go ahead with the surgery as my risks of B/Cancer has now risen above 50% seeing that the abnormal cells are hormone positive/sensitive to estrogen.

It has effected my life dramatically, even without malignancy.  I am now told that I must cut down to a minimal any type of soy product, all dairy must be monitored as well - Seeing that both can spark aggression of cancerous cells.  I was also Vegan at one point, and after finding out I also have sensitivities towards certain foods - Ended up going on a mixed plant and meat based diet.  Even though all meat must be portioned down to a bare minimal.  I am finally also losing weight and have at the most another 20-21 lb to go to get down to the size that I need to achieve and I feel great for it.

BUT I have so many responses from family and friends that I shouldn't go through with it, even though the surgery itself has been approved in advance, and for preventative cancer treatment.

The one thing which hit them the hardest was the fact that before surgery I was to get my tubes tied also (in a seperate surgery in January), and I am also taking Tamoxifen supplements on a rotational on and off basis (3 months off, 3 months on) so that it does not encourage endometrial and uterus cancer (these are the side effects of the breast medication).

Now that the time is coming closer, I look at my breasts and wonder if what my family is saying is correct.  I know I need to go through with this for myself, because it overshadows everything I eat, consume and put into my body.  Also stress doesn't help on top of that.

Is there anyone out there that has had experience with this and can share with me?  What kept you going and how did you cope with your own breast/s being removed?

[backroadsmom]

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-8

This kind of fear does not come from God. In most cases, our fear is caused by lack of faith. In the past 5 yrs I've had two aunts who had breast removed. Both had cancer. Strong family gene I guess, not to mention both my mom & grandma had uterine cancer. But that doesn't mean I'm going to have my breast or uterus removed! I actually had pre cancer cells show up in a pap smear 20 years ago, but upon my most recent pap smears there were none!

My question to you is, will removing the breast truly, 100% remove the cancer cells or is there that slim chance that one of those tiny little pre-cells will scurry off into another part of the body? Because that's what cancer cells do! It seems an awfully big step for someone who doesn't have cancer yet! I've never heard of this being done.

Another thing that comes to mind. Thank God for modern medicine and I know God can work along side doctors, BUT IF we only listen to the doctors and not trust in the word of God, then we can end up in a very grim place. Time & time again... I could tell you several stories of major illnesses or injury in this family where the doctors had some grim report or outcome and through the faith and pray of many... family members were healed and the doctors left stumped. They naturally rely on science... but God is greater than science.

Would you, COULD, should you consider just trusting God to prevent any cancer from ever showing up, and keep your breast in faith?

[lostandfound34]

I will keep you in my prayers, I have no words of wisdom I am lucky enough to only be in this group as suport for a friend.  Keep us updated please

[deesam]

 as someone who is going through treatment for breast cancer Stage2/Her2 postive with no family history or genes that showed up in blood test, you should do what you feel is right for you the results show a good chance you will at one point possibley get breast cancer. follow your instincts.

 

good luck my prayers are with you

[madmomof5]

I can empathize with you. I just went through a uterine cancer scare and I am still looking at getting a hysterectomy with all of the issues I have going on. I know you must be so scared. Pray on it and make the decision you feel in your heart. I wish I had better words of wisdom for you, but know I am praying for you. (((hugs))) 

[sammyreymom]

You are in my prayers, I just went through biopsies for uterine cancer and it is scary any time the word cancer is mentioned.

[DejaVooDoo]

I am a spiritual person.  But I am not a Christian.  I do appreciate your words of wisdom and advice.  At the moment I am not on a soul search as far as finding any spiritual calling, because I am quite happy at the moment.  But do not take that the wrong way.  Sometimes advice from people like yourself can be something to remind myself of what I am lucky to have.

I have not been told that I "must" go through with this surgery.  Most of the Doctor's I have talked to do not support my decision to remove my breasts.  BUT at the same time they have no problem prescribing medicine that is dangerous on other aspects of my health.  They want me to take tamoxifen/nolvadex meds to prevent those cells from growing.  This medication causes uterus cancer and I also suffer from a miriad of other health problems.  I am a Type 1 Diabetic and also suffer from endometriosis.

It might seem weird to say, but honestly I am quite a healthy person.  Endometriosis and Diabetes can be managed quite easily.  So can these pre-cancer cells.  There are many people who suffer much worse than what I do.  But the tamoxifen is something that I cannot risk.

I would rather have my breast tissue removed totally than continue with a shadow at the back of my mind.  I realise that having my breasts removed may not decline my chances of other forms of cancer.  But if any of those come at a later time, then that is a seperate obstacle that I know I can fight.

Regretfully I do not put faith in any higher source though.  But I don't always listen to what Doctor's have to say.  If I had, then I wouldn't have chosen to have the surgery.  Thank you again for replying.  I very much appreciate it.

Quoting backroadsmom:

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-8

This kind of fear does not come from God. In most cases, our fear is caused by lack of faith. In the past 5 yrs I've had two aunts who had breast removed. Both had cancer. Strong family gene I guess, not to mention both my mom & grandma had uterine cancer. But that doesn't mean I'm going to have my breast or uterus removed! I actually had pre cancer cells show up in a pap smear 20 years ago, but upon my most recent pap smears there were none!

My question to you is, will removing the breast truly, 100% remove the cancer cells or is there that slim chance that one of those tiny little pre-cells will scurry off into another part of the body? Because that's what cancer cells do! It seems an awfully big step for someone who doesn't have cancer yet! I've never heard of this being done.

Another thing that comes to mind. Thank God for modern medicine and I know God can work along side doctors, BUT IF we only listen to the doctors and not trust in the word of God, then we can end up in a very grim place. Time & time again... I could tell you several stories of major illnesses or injury in this family where the doctors had some grim report or outcome and through the faith and pray of many... family members were healed and the doctors left stumped. They naturally rely on science... but God is greater than science.

Would you, COULD, should you consider just trusting God to prevent any cancer from ever showing up, and keep your breast in faith?

[DejaVooDoo]

And thank you very much to everyone else that replied.  I've been feeling a little bit better lately.  I just take it one step at a time, and make sure that I keep myself busy.  My Family hasn't changed their mind, but they are supportive of my decision and have given me some personal space to think.

The tubal is still set for January.  The admission for breast surgery has been set for June.  I was told by my Specialist that if I change my mind, that I am more than welcome to.  Plus if there is any other form of medication I can take that he can find, he will let me know pronto.