Discussion about surgery with Surgeon

Hi Slyvie,

Thank you for this. I can understand that the delay for MRI would have been frustrating for you but how good that in doing that, your surgeon had all the information she needed and wanted going in. What are are saying just reinforces to me to be intelligently (but not blindly) guided by the experts in this. 

How was/is your surgical recovery going?

I will also be thinking of you tomorrow and sending you good vibes for clean and clear results tomorrow. 
🌺

HiRSVP​, Im also newly diagnosed but just one step ahead of you. I had my surgery (lumpectomy) two weeks ago and have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow to see if the margins and lymph nodes are clear. If they are, I will move on to radiotherapy but if not, we’ll be having another discussion about what surgery is next.  
As I said, Im new to this too and can only speak from my own experience. There seems to be a lot they can tell from your biopsy and mammogram as to the size of the affected tissue, what type it is and how aggressive it is. They consider all of this when they make their recommendations but you should definitely question their decision if you’re not comfortable with it. I had the added benefit of an MRI as when my surgeon examined me, she could feel that the affected area seemed to be bigger than the mammogram was showing.  
I was upset and annoyed at the time as I was psyching myself up to having the surgery but having the MRI was going to delay it. Im now so glad I followed her recommendation to have the MRI as she was right about the size. Hopefully, this extra information gave her a clearer target area and I will get the result that the surgery was successful in removing all of the affected tissue.  
I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending good vibes your way. xo 

RSVP​ I'm sorry to see you joining us here but it's great to be asking questions both here and of your surgeon.

In my experience, my GP had mentioned both but she wasn't sure which I would need. At my first meeting with my surgeon he talked about lumpectomy and when I asked about a mastectomy he said that was my choice however he provided reasoning around lumpectomy being enough in my case - the placement, type, size and grade of my tumour, recovery, etc.  I felt comfortable with trusting his experience and approach.

A year later I have a neat line scar on my affected breast but otherwise it looks exactly like it used to. There is the mental load of wondering what happens over the coming years however chats with my oncologist, surgeon, GP and a psychologist specialising in cancer have helped.

My surgeon has repeatedly said to me that I will be closely monitored for a long time - not what I expected in life but I'll take it as a big warm cuddle of care :)