Decisions on surgery

Hi
sadly I have just joined all you wonderful people.
sadly I have just joined all you wonderful people.
I have been diagnosed and given my surgery date.
Need some help as I really don’t know what I’m doing and my mind is going around in circles.
Breast screen mammogram found a 3cm lump and the ultrasound found another 6mm tumour. Biopsy confirmed cancer.
Surgeon is going to try a lumpectomy as I have large breasts (DD) and am not able to get reconstruction as I have other issues. The tumours are on seperate sides of the breast.
I just wondered for the ladies who have larger breasts what a mastectomy is like?
For people who have had a lumpectomy did you have a tumour in different quadrants?
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I had two tumours (3 including a tiny one) but they were in the same quadrant. That actually would’ve meant a bigger scar on that side of my breast. Surgeon said it was still possible to save my breast and could have mammoplasty. I ended up with a skin/nipple sparing DMX cos the MRI showed more changes in both breasts. However if it wasn’t for that, I prob would’ve gone with breast conserving surgery. I was also about a DD cup.
I was worried about how I would cope with the difference in the weight of having one breast etc. I commenced immediate reconstruction with the placement of expanders. I am very happy and comfortable with the decisions I made, but I also talked with a psychologist and used the ‘BRECONDA’ app which walks you through the decisions around the surgery. This is a great app which is a decision making tool and really helps to bring a bit of clarity. I think your decision also needs to consider the type of BC you have as well as the stage. My type is a sneaky little toad that can hide, so I knew what I wanted to do to get rid of the sucker.
Ask your medical team as many questions as you need, this is a big decision and one that you need to make based on being fully informed. I also think it is important to remember that many, many women do not want reconstruction AND you could opt for a lumpectomy now and decide later about the mastectomy. Of course it means 2 surgeries, but that may also be the right choice for you at this time. You could also ask about whether radiation is a possibility as very often a lumpectomy is followed up with radiation. A mastectomy sometimes means you can avoid radiation.
Take care, you have options. We are here to help you. M x