Lumpectomy

I originally decided on a mastectomy, then changed my mind and had a lumpectomy lost my nipple as it was involved with the cancer, that was in 2015 very happy went that way although now im metastatic but hey still here 😀😀

See what your surgeon says. It would be good if a mastectomy guaranteed no more cancer but it can’t really. A bit less to worry about but not sure fire end to the problem. I had a mastectomy, no regrets and no reconstruction, but my other choice was a partial mastectomy not a lumpectomy. Worth asking your surgeon’s opinion on clear margins and also about recon options if, for any reason, you don’t do it immediately. Good to have all your choices clear in your head as ultimately it’s a personal decision. Best wishes whichever option you choose. 

I went to see the plastic surgeon to understand the options with reconstruction. I almost passed out afterwards in the waiting room- couldn’t bring myself to do it for the shape of a breast. My lump was a 3.5cm, my surgeon removed 6cm x 3.5 x 3cm, I was/am a B cup. I gave my surgeon permission for the full mastectomy if needed. 
One breast looks like I’ve had a breast lift, one is saggy! LOL It has been almost 5 months to the day, the scar seems smaller already and looks neat. 
I’m able to wear a normal bra, pull my back fat in and cannot notice the difference. 
The decision you make will be the right one for you xx

Thanks lovely ladies @suburbangirl @kezmusc @arpie @Anne65 @Temple @Mira


Should’ve said I’m ER/PR+ 6%  ( just!) HER2  -ve grade 3 invasive ductal. So far looks like 2 nodes.
I just want to do everything I can to stop any thing  in this breast I guess....I know it could pop up anywhere even with mastectomy.. The docs reckon we could do either.

Im just leaning towards mastectomy even tho my doc isn’t.......I’m a natural worrier and I think Mastectomy will help me sleep at night......

Im seeing my surgeon tomorrow. Will let you know how I go.
Caz1 x

Hi @Caz1,

I chose the lumpectomy.  There was never any doubt in my mind that was the way I wanted to go if at all possible.  I haven't had reconstruction as the surgeon did a good job and there is only minimal difference.  14d boobs vs 19mm lump.
 
Like @temple, that ones a little perkier than the other but not noticeable to anybody when I'm out and about. Looks ok nekked as well :)
Due to where the lesion was located I have ended up with a scar that is about 6cm but it has faded out with time. It's a bit hard thanks to the radiation but nothing drastic.  

ER/PR + HER2neg grade 2 stage 2b      5/24 nodes positive. 

It's one of those things that's totally personal preference if you are able to have a choice in the matter. 
All the best with your decision lovely.
xoxo

Hi @Caz1  Be guided by your surgeon - I had a lumpectomy & mini-recon at the same time - similar to @Mira .   Mine was in the Lobular - so very close to the nipple.  My surgeon isolated the nipple, got the cancer out, removed the loose skin, then redistributed some of my breast fat to fill in the hole & sewed the nipple back on!  I still have full sensation too! 

I'd never noticed that 'that particular boob' was 'bigger' than the other one - so now they are the same size.  My scar is negligible.

All the best with your decision making!  xx

I had a lumpectomy in September and found the surgery very straightforward and with little pain or after effects. My tumour was easy to access, and had clear nodes. I had no arm or shoulder pain post surgery. I had a very noisy sloshy breast for about three weeks which was peculiar to say the least but  this fluid absolutely re-absorbed as they said would happen. The radiation has made my breast (right) look smaller and frankly a nicer shape than my droopy left breast 😆😆😆 . The difference in size is not discernible in clothes. The rad oncologist says it may get better over time but it’s pretty minor in the scheme of things. Some time in the not to distant past I guess they would have cut it off but the surgeon was very confident in saying  lumpectomy was all I needed. I have a small scar that nobody will see. I am 58 with HER2 neg ER/PR + stage 2b.
I wish you all good things, take care xx

@Caz1 I had a lumpectomy just before Christmas Dec. '17 so I'm a few weeks away from my second anniversary. Before visiting my surgeon for the first time, i was thinking I would have to make the decision, like you, whether to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy but my surgeon made the decision for me & I have never regretted it. She was very decisive in her plan for my surgery. My DCIS was very low in my left breast so she removed the cancer & then filled the gap with some surrounding  tissue so my breasts would be the same size & they have always been small!. The small scar is right under my breast & you would hardly even know I had surgery. My DCIS was aggressive but was stage 1 & as my margins were clear it was up to me whether to even have rad treatment. My rad onc thought it would be best so I did go ahead due to the aggressive nature of the cancer but I didn't have chemo or any medication. 
i am very lucky as my life is back the same as it was pre cancer apart from a small scar & regular medical checkups/mammos to ensure i keep on track. the decisions you have to make along the road are hard & you have to try to keep focused on what you know about your diagnosis as we are all different. Dont worry about what may happen in the future as things may change along the way. Deal with what you do know. Not sure if you are having rad treatment but if you have rad then you have limited options regarding recon if you go down the path of mastectomy followed by recon as rad treatment effects your breast tissue thus making it harder.
Looking back now, I often think "Why would you cut off your leg if you had a sore toe?" so the thought of a drastic mastectomy for a stage 1 DCIS was overkill to me & I'm glad my surgeon agreed. It would depend on your grade & type of cancer & I'm sure your medical team would have an opinion on what they think would be best but the decision is yours. I recently went to a BCNA conference & the speakers told us that now surgeons are looking to do LESS when it comes to surgery/treatment options compared to that in the past. I guess treatments have side effects so you have to weigh it all up. With all the stats/percentages out there, you do have to take a chance sometimes & roll the dice & hope it comes out in your favor & the odds are with you. Good luck & let us know what you decide. love & strength xx

Hi, I had a lumpectomy about 4 years ago.  The surgeon was able to cut around the nipple so I was left with no visible scar on my breast.  Whenever, I get checked now the other doctors scratch their head as they cant tell which one was operated on.  My surgeon did a great job! :smile:

She tried to get the lymph nodes for testing from the same incision but said it was a bit too far away and made a small cut under my arm which is visible if you look closely. 

Hi @Caz1
I had two wedge resections 3 weeks apart earlier this year (lumpectomies), as they found another cancer in the first op's pathology.
I have just booked to have my breasts made symmetrical with a private plastic surgeon in February 2020, and luckily my health fund will give me a small rebate. Some health funds don't pay anything, despite being related to a cancer diagnosis. (It all depends on the item number.) I will be out of pocket at least $5000+ for this procedure.
This may be something you want to check - ie I am unsure if mastectomy reconstruction is covered by the public system?
There will be others who can offer better advice I am sure! 
Best of luck whatever you decide xx