Having a Prophylactic Double Mastectomy Based on Family History
About 6 years ago, I remember sitting with my doctor discussing how it would be best for me to have additional breast cancer screening since I have a family history of breast cancer.
She put all my information into a basic risk assessment tool online and found that my lifetime risk of developing breast cancer was 62.5% at the time. I remember thinking that was a high percentage, but figured that at least I could do scans every six months and catch it early.
What I didn’t realize was what 6-month surveillance really meant. Alternating a mammogram and MRI every 6 months seemed like an easy feat until almost every other scan showed something that would need to be biopsied weeks later.
The waiting for the biopsy procedures and biopsy results was almost unbearable. I share about those times of emotional and physical pain here: Trusting God in Tough Times | Why Does God Allow Pain?
Biopsies resulted in several benign findings, such as sclerodoma adenosis, PASH, and radial scarring.
Even when nothing showed up in scans, I’d think to myself, “Phew, I’m free from this for 6 more months!” But a couple of weeks before that scan, I’d start to get worried all over again about either finding breast cancer or the drama that would inevitably occur if they stumbled upon another benign finding.
I went to MD Anderson twice a year for preventative care and I even took Tamoxifen, a chemo drug, for 4 months to reduce my risk. The side effects of Tamoxifen proved to be too much, so I stopped taking the drug.
After the Tamoxifen wasn’t an option, I started asking questions about why my risk was so high. I was gene tested and fortunately, my test showed no genetic mutations like BRCA I or II.
However, since my mom is a breast cancer survivor and my dad’s sister is also a breast cancer survivor, this raised my risk level. Also, having extremely dense breast tissue raises one’s risk as well as findings in past biopsies. All of these factors combined gave me a high risk of developing breast cancer.
The average woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is 11% and anything over 20% is considered high risk. My risk assessment after final pathology of my mastectomy came to 70% because of some atypical hyperplasia that never showed up on previous scans. This is well within the same risk range as someone with BRCA I or II gene mutations
I decided I don’t want to just catch breast cancer early; I don’t want to catch it at all.
Most surgeons accept that a woman with a BRCA mutation has the right to get a prophylactic mastectomy. However, I represent a sub-group of high-risk women that do not have a mutation but are still at the same risk level of someone who does. For us, finding a surgeon is a little harder but not impossible.
WHY I CHOSE DIEP FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
Because I have celiac disease, which is autoimmune, I was concerned about my body rejecting implants. I didn’t want to go completely flat, so that left me with the option of using my own tissue.
DIEP Flap reconstruction is breast reconstruction technique where tissue from the lower abdomen is used to replace the original breast tissue. This allows the new breasts to be more natural-looking and your body is much less likely to reject your own tissue than implants. Also, implants need replacing every 10 years or so, but with DIEP flap, I’ll never have a need for future maintenance surgeries.
HOW I FOUND A SURGEON
After doing a lot of research online, I found a breast surgeon who had done well over 1,000 DIEP flap procedures. I saw her before and after gallery and was sold that I wanted Dr. Elisabeth Potter to be my breast surgeon. I called her office and asked what breast surgeons Dr. Potter likes to work with, and the first name that was mentioned was Dr. Julie Sprunt.
Within a few months, I had an appointment with Dr. Sprunt and Dr. Potter on the same day in Austin, Tx. Both of these women are at the top of their field and are brilliant at what they do. I have no doubt that Dr. Potter is not only the best DIEP flap surgeon in Texas, if not the nation. I’m so blessed to have of these amazingly talented and caring surgeons on my team.
My surgery date for my preventative double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction was July 15, 2025. This surgery brought my lifetime breast cancer risk from 70% to 1-5%.
HOW I PREPARED FOR SURGERY
I had an insane amount of anxiety in preparation for this surgery. I was concerned about having complications and also my pain level after DIEP.
Dr. Potter told me about this guided meditation, which was an essential part of mentally preparing me for surgery. This award-winning guided meditation helped me to have such a great surgery outcome and a fast recovery. I also met with a Christian counselor every couple weeks as I was preparing for surgery.
HOW SURGERY ACTUALLY WENT
On July 15, 2025, I had a preventative double mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction simultaneously. Because I used Dr. Potter, my surgery was only 5 hours instead of 12-14 hours, which is usually standard. I had all four drains out within one week of my surgery and as I write this at 10 days out, I’m doing really well! It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I was in the hospital for two days and my pain has been well-controlled.
Because of this surgery, I won’t have to live my life 6 months at a time. Also, I don’t have to deal with the reality of a 70% chance of developing breast cancer hanging over my head. I won’t have to endure chemo, radiation, and 10 years of Tamoxifen like my mom did. Most of all, this surgery could have very well saved my life.
I don’t expect everyone to come to the same conclusion as I have. But for me and my family, it’s the right decision. I know this and God has laid a clear path ahead to make it happen.
At 10 days out from surgery, the reality of this decision is still sinking in…
One day in the future, I will look back at this decision and think it was the nicest thing I could have ever done for myself.
Recently, I came across a quote that said, “Maybe God is having you move this mountain to show others it can be moved.”
And today, I was reminded of Matthew 13:31-32:
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
It’s such an encouraging reminder that I even with a little bit of trust, God can move the biggest mountains in life. I hope this experience serves to help someone else going through 6 6-month surveillance.
But I’m so thankful that God’s presence is with me in this process. He has proved to be faithful and has stayed close to me every step of the way. Feel free to ask me any questions below.
Much love,
Karin
4/25/26 – In a couple days, I’m going to have a Phase 2 surgery. That’s the typical protocol as the Phase 2 is a revision surgery to fix details. I wasn’t going to have this surgery, but I recently decided I might regret it later in life if I don’t. I also have a seroma that will possibly be drained in this surgery. More updates to come.
Karin Peters is a DIY expert and the creator of Renovated Faith. She is a furniture painter, a home design consultant, and a tenacious problem solver determined to help you transform your house into a home. With 17 years of experience with DIY home improvement, she researches and analyses professional processes to adapt them to be easy and cost-effective for DIYers. She then tests every project and product before it appears on the site in a detailed, step-by-step format. After attending Texas A&M University, she received her Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages at Southwestern Baptist Theology Seminary. Her passions unite in Renovated Faith, which shows readers how to create a home that serves them so they can pursue their God-given purposes. About Renovated Faith | Editorial Policy | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
I had the same procedure in January 2023, replacing my left breast. It’s been quite the journey and I’m glad I went that route! Praying your procedure and recovery go well! Give yourself grace and time to heal!
Praying your surgery is easy and uncomplicated Karin. Praying for quick and easy recovery.
Gerry
Praying for you today. You are so strong and brave and God will use this for his glory. Believing God for a safe surgery and a total and complete recovery and healing in Jesus name!
Thank you so much for this Michelle. I so appreciate your prayer. Let me know if I can pray for you in any way!
Dear Karin,
I’m sorry that you are going through this. I have experienced something similar this year with a genetic syndrome that increases my risk of developing cancers in the GI tract and gynecological organs. I too initially chose surveillance for 5 yrs until realizing that the tests weren’t always reliable. So in January I had a risk reduction/prophylactic hysterectomy. I was TERRIFIED of what it might do to me. In the end everything went well physically with my surgery. I am praying that for you and more. Looking forward to the day when everything sad comes untrue and everything is made new again.
Hebrews 6:19
Amy, Sounds like we have had very similar experiences. I can’t thank you enough for your prayers. I’m still very much in the recovery phase. And yes, you said it well, I look forward to that day too!
Prayers are being sent to you, Karin! God Bless!!!
Linda
Thank you for that, Linda! I really appreciate your prayers as I recover.
Prayers for GOD TO GUIDE THE DOCTORS HANDS AND THAT YOU HEAL GENTLY AND QUICKLY! TO GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT IN YOUR DECISION!❤️🙏
Your prayers worked Joanne! Everything went so well and I’m so grateful to you for lifting me up!
I am so sorry to hear what you are going through and will definitely be praying for you. I had breast cancer in 2019 and went through surgery twice. God is good all the time and I know He’s got this.
You are an amazing woman! Prayers for a successful surgery, reconstruction and recovery. I really enjoy your blog!
Karin, first and foremost, you are in my prayers. I think you are courageous, making this decision could not have been easy for you and your loved ones. I do not have a family history of breast cancer, but I was diagnosed in November with cancer in my right breast, then in January in the left. It was a shock and a little terrifying. Through a lot of prayer and tears, Hubby and I chose to have a double mastectomy, and I’m so relieved we did. I had a double mastectomy on March 4 of this year. I did not choose reconstruction due to my age (I’m 59) and the amount of time I would need to be off work. But, I’ve heard really good things about the procedure, and I know you are in God’s hands and you are going to be a champ through this. As a recent patient, the one thing I can say is, it’s okay to ask for help, and let others care for you. It’s okay to talk about it until you are all talked out. It’s okay to have sudden thoughts of, “Did I make the right decision, oh no maybe I didn’t!” You did. And this season in your life is going to teach you so much about you and the people who love you. You just need to remember there is no hurry, and it takes your body time to heal. You and God have got this!
Hey Jennie,
I can’t begin to thank you for your encouraging words. It means so much. I’m sorry I’m just not responding. I’m done with my surgery and it went so incredibly well. God is good! Thank you again Jennie.
Praying for you, sweet friend, as you embark upon your surgery and this new journey.
I am praying for you dear sister. Keep us posted and i know all your readers will keep you in prayer through your surgery and recovery!
Sending prayers and love your way. May you have a speedy recovery from your surgery.
Thank you for sharing your experience. You have my prayers! May God wrap you up in His peace and calm you and heal you as you go through your surgery. I look forward to your posts.
Jackie
I will most certainly be in prayer for you and your journey. I am 70 years old, also with dense breast tissue. I have a 3D mammogram as well as ABUS, yearly and have also taken steps to have an MRI if warranted. I need for prayers for the summer as well, but for my eyes. I have Fuchs Dystrophy, a cornea inherited disease. I will be undergoing a cornea transplant as well cataract removal hopefully in early June. I can’t wait to see better! It will be a 3 month recovery. I know that YOU are going to be just fine, because I know as you do, that God will be right there with you, holding your hand! Blessings to you and your family.
Karin,
I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in 2016. After 7 1/2 years of chemo I am in remission. I feel like my life was on hold for those years and now am trying to catch up. I am wearing myself out. Instead of enjoying this precious time, I’m constantly thinking about all the things that weren’t taken care of those years because of fatigue and just feeling bad from the chemo. My cancer is chronic so there’s a chance it will return. I feel like I’m running a race to get things done before I reach that possible time in my life when I have to start treatment all over again. You have no idea how encouraging your words are. You have reminded me that I have to slow down and enjoy this precious time. Life’s so much more than a porch that needs to be fixed, walls that need to be painted or a kitchen I think needs to be redone. It always amazes me how our God uses people to uplift others and make them stop and think about things that we fail to see happening in our own lives. You are such a brave woman and such a beautiful blessing. God will bless and protect you just as He has me. He will never leave you alone.
Your friend in Christ.
I will be praying for you. Just know from my experience, the double mastectomy brought such relief! It was nice to not worry all the time. Well worth the surgery!
Thank you for sharing your talents and faith. It is always inspiring and encouraging. I pray that God will give you strength and peace as you go through this procedure and quick and complete healing.
Philippians 4:13
Thank you for being so vulnerable in sharing your story, knowing it could very well help someone else in the process to have the courage to do the same, prayers for you!
I am praying. I have a sweet friend who has had breast cancer so I know what all that can mean. And she has follow ups annually to be sure it hasn’t returned. You are blessed to have a great team.
Karin,
I am sorry that you are going through this. You are safe in God’s hands and right where you are supposed to be.
You are courageous and inspiring. Could God’s plan be that you are an example for other women who are also at high risk? I’m sure He works through you.
Thank you for sharing.
Yours in peace.