"The probability of cancer was almost 90%": I removed the breast for prevention
Breast cancer is almost a quarter all malignant tumors in women, and the susceptibility to it is greatly increased in the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Analysis of these mutations is recommended for those who have had cases of ovarian or breast cancer in the family; if they are detected, the risk of the disease is very high, according to some data - up to 87%, that is, cancer will develop almost certainly. In this case, doctors can offer a choice between very close observation, when the examination is carried out every six months and is aimed at finally revealing a tumor at the initial stage, and preventive mastectomy, that is, prophylactic removal of the mammary glands.
We have already talked about the movement of pre-payers, or "pre-survivors" - these are women who have undergone preventive mastectomy, who talk about it, raising awareness of others. Anna Nikolaeva told us how and why she decided to remove the mammary glands and how her life changed after the operation.
I am twenty five years old; At the end of February, I performed preventive mastectomy with simultaneous reconstruction - this is the name of the operation to remove the mammary glands and replace them with implants.
When four years ago my mother had cancer of the ovary, and before that almost all the relatives on my mother's side were sick or died of cancer, I realized that in the future I was waiting for the removal of mammary glands and ovaries. True, I assumed that it would not be soon. At that time, the doctors explained that every six months you need to donate blood for tumor markers just in case, and I did this for three and a half years, until I came to a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
Big breasts began to bother me back in school — the older I got, the harder it was to live with her; in the end, I decided to reduce. She chose the surgeon a short time - she decided to turn to the same specialist, whose mother had done several cosmetic operations before the illness. I thought that I would have to persuade the doctor to shrink my chest, and he would respond in the spirit of "give birth to you, then come." But the meeting was completely different.
Immediately after the story about my mother - at that time almost half a year had passed after her death - the doctor asked me when was the last time I examined my chest. I have never done this, because, like many, I thought that up to thirty-five years is irrelevant. The doctor issued a list of cases: ultrasound, radiography, examination by a mammologist and a blood test for BRCA gene mutations. He explained to me that, of course, it is possible to shrink the breast, but before making a decision, you need to get the results of all the tests and, if there is a mutation, consider a mastectomy option.
By that time, I already had positive results of a BRCA mutation test in my arms - and I knew that breast cancer would develop with a probability of 85-90%. So to myself, I have already decided everything.
This result of the consultation, of course, surprised, but I decided not to make hasty conclusions and start the survey. Signing up for all the procedures was not without difficulty: the same chest x-ray is usually not taken up to thirty-five years. My next mistake was to tell the mammologist about the real reason for the visit: having mentioned the planned plastic surgery, I, of course, received the same comment about the age and absence of children. However, by that time I already had positive results for the BRCA1 gene mutation in my arms - and I knew that breast cancer would develop with a probability of 85-90%. So to myself, I have already decided everything.
I found a small education on the ultrasound, which most likely was benign, but nevertheless I obeyed the doctor and went for a consultation with an oncologist mammologist at one of the most famous oncological centers in Moscow. The trip there was another mistake: I had to listen to a bunch of disgruntled comments about my doctor and leave with the wording "this is hardly a malignant education, but I would watch you" and a referral to the next ultrasound scan in a month.
As a person familiar with first-hand cancer unpredictability, I decided not to tempt fate anymore: I decided on a mastectomy, came to a surgeon and showed him the results of all examinations. He supported me. Although it was not without obstacles: two more doctors were present at this consultation, and each had his own opinion about my situation. I listened to them, went home and thought for a while. Of course, removing the mammary glands at the age of twenty-five is not an easy decision. But I am sure that a live mother will be more important to my children than breastfeeding. Fortunately, all my family and friends supported me completely.
The date of surgery was scheduled for two weeks. At this moment, for the first time I began to be really nervous, I began to search the Internet for women's stories about this operation and did not find anything. It was frightening and embarrassing, but I had no choice.
The operation lasted about four hours and went well; I spent the next week in the hospital and mostly slept from a lot of painkillers. I was very lucky: there was a loved one near me all the time who helped in everything. I remember a special pleasure when, four days after the operation, I was able to wash my hair. The entire clinic staff was very attentive to me, for which I am incredibly grateful to them - there were moments when something hurt, I cried, and the nurses calmed me.
Then, while still in the hospital, I started uploading the video to instagram and wrote about the operation on Facebook. Before her, I had been thinking for a long time whether it was worth making the story public or if it was better to let only the closest people know about it. I took the decision a few minutes before the intervention, having laid out the first story. I thought that I could help women in a similar position. In response, I received tremendous support, which was then especially important.
Upon returning home, I encountered a new problem. Despite the fact that I really wanted to return from the hospital, I did not think that I would be left on my own, but there would be no medical staff around. On the first day, I began to panic, I was afraid to move once again. The slightest change in the state caused a bunch of experiences, and constantly worrying the doctors was very awkward. I spent the first week at home in bed — after the operation I didn’t have the strength, although, of course, I wanted to quickly do household chores, work, meet friends and live a normal life.
I have never been prone to panic, but in those days I was worried about the slightest trifle, I constantly looked at my chest in the mirror and was afraid that after the operation it would be ugly or uneven. Of course, I understood that it was stupid - because the intervention was not for the sake of appearance, but for the sake of a quiet life. But losing control of your body was still scary. I was covered with terrible apathy. Friends came, dad came back from a business trip, everyone supported me, and slowly I came to my senses.
All the time I looked at my chest in the mirror and was afraid that after the operation she would be ugly. Of course, I understood that it was stupid - but losing control over my body was still scary
I continue to meet with doctors once every few weeks: the healing process has been delayed due to minor complications. This operation has two options, often the nipples are removed completely and imitation is made in their place, which is apparently no different, but does not have such sensitivity. You can try to keep the nipples, but it is much more difficult, especially when the chest is large. A nipple may not settle down due to the fact that the leg on which it is located is more than a new breast, and it has to be folded somehow, the doctor explained to me. I still decided to take a chance and keep the nipples, but the right one did not catch on, and two weeks after the operation I had to remove it. Now the wound is almost completely healed, scar tissue forms there (it is slightly darker, so the sensation of the areola visually remains). I don’t know if after the final healing I’ll fix it, there are a lot of options: you can make an imitation of the nipple from your skin, and there are also tattoos or prostheses that are glued to a special glue. But I still do not even know if I need this. I feel great.
Although a few months ago I had no idea what was waiting for me, now I can honestly say that it was worth it. I continue to talk about operations in social networks, share experiences and answer all questions. I felt for myself how important it is that there is a person who understands you and can give advice, especially when it comes to such an infrequent operation as preventive mastectomy. As for the size, the breast has become smaller and more beautiful in shape, the sagging is gone, now I have size C and, I think, it will decrease slightly and take the final look.
I believe that this kind of intervention can save the lives of many women and that we need to talk about it - now I want to create a website where everyone can read my story, ask for advice or ask a question. Of course, I am not a doctor and in no case insist on taking serious measures, even if they are justified. Every woman must decide for herself - but for this she must know about this possibility.
Someone shared my story in social networks, and someone went even further: for example, together with Anna Pisman, the founder and designer of the jewelry brand Moonka Studio, I plan to create a collection of jewelry, the proceeds of which will go to one of the funds to combat cancer. And this is another way to inform people, because many still do not really understand what cancer is and whether they are at high risk.