u/DryManufacturer9101

Hello, my preventive mastectomy is scheduled for next Wednesday, one week before my 27th birthday, almost 6 months after I found out I carry the BRCA2 mutation inherited from my father (I’m the only daughter in the family). I found out because my mother had breast cancer at age 29, and genetic testing finally revealed that I’m at increased risk due to both my parents’ genetic...

I’m convinced this is the right decision that will allow me to live peacefully and look forward to the future—but the process itself (the surgery, which will be my first, and the recovery) obviously scares me, as does coming to terms with my new appearance (immediate reconstruction using implants slightly larger than my natural breasts). These are mixed feelings because I’m also glad that my mutation entitles me to this surgery: having started surveillance in my early twenties, I imagined I’d have to live with that monitoring and that sword hanging over my head, and it was an immense source of anxiety. I’ll finally be able to move forward. I've thought about nothing else day and night for six months, and I just want so badly to feel relieved.

Over the past few months, I’ve read so many personal accounts that have helped me. Could you share yours with me one last time, and if so, tell me how the mastectomy has given you a sense of physical and mental freedom? I really want to arrive at the hospital with a determined mindset, proud of this proactive step for my health and my future. Thank you ❤

Hello, could women who have had a preventive mastectomy with implant reconstruction and preservation of the skin and nipple tell me what kind of sensations they experience now? Can you feel a hand on your breast? Water, cold, or heat in the shower? Do your nipples still react? Can you feel the implant, or does it feel like a part of you? Can you forget it's here?

Thank you very much!

Hello, I’m almost 27 years old and I’m BRCA2 positive, a gene I inherited from my father (discovered in January). There are no cases of cancer in his very small family, which consists mostly of men: I found out by chance while undergoing genetic testing because my mother had breast cancer at age 29. It therefore seems that my mother’s cancer was not caused by a mutation.

I am very determined to have a preventive mastectomy; I have a date for the surgery exactly six months after the diagnosis. So far, I’ve only met doctors who supported me—until yesterday: a geneticist I met for the first time at the hospital where I’ll be having the surgery told me that my decision seemed rushed to him, that I’m too young, that my current risk is very close to 0% (compared to 60 to 85% by age 80, since the risks inherited from both my parents add up), and that it could have very serious psychological consequences (loss of self-confidence, no longer daring to dress as I please, a diminished sex life, etc.). He’s urging me to postpone the surgery so I can think it over more.

I’ve always hated my breasts (I’ve seen my mother suffer too much); I’ve always been convinced they’d disappear, long before learning about the mutation —I don’t even dare to touch them. My family and friends are telling me to have this surgery before I end up in a dire situation like my mother (who couldn’t tolerate the chemo and had to stop it, and who was no longer able to have children after her cancer). I was almost happy to have the mutation because it opens the door to the surgery (I should mention that I live in France, and it’s only performed if there’s a mutation). I was so sure of myself, despite all the drawbacks I’m well aware of, until this man came along and shook up all my beliefs by explaining that this surgery could make my life a living hell... and at the same time, I can’t see myself living with my breasts anymore, because I’m 100% sure they’ll disappear one day, so I ask myself, why wait? Why subject myself to the psychological torture of regular screenings (which started 5 years ago because of my mother’s history) when I see only one solution for every scenario: preventive surgery?

At what age did you have the surgery? Did you encounter any external obstacles related to your age? Could you tell me about your personal experience?

Thank you so much 💟