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Megs04's avatar
Megs04
Member
7 years ago

Advice on making treatment decisions

Hi all. I thought this would all be cut and dry. Im still waiting after x3 appointments with surgeons for a recommended  treatment plan.
They were waitng to MRI results as iver xmas the radioligist went on holidays so last weeks appointment i was told i coukd probably choose masectomy or lumpectomy but lets see. So i leave thinking about that. 
This week they found another lump. So booked for another biopsy. Will go again but surgeon suggested chemo to shrink then possible lumpectomy depending on results and uf i choose chemo First. What if i dont want chemo first. Even masectomy hes saying chemo after anyway.
Si many decisions and inconsistencies which continually change. They are scaring and confusing me. Do i have to decide at next appt? Registrar said yes to that at last appt.Does anyone have any advice on who to speak to or how to decide or where to find information please?. Its a bit overwhelming.
emotions
surgery

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  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @ megs04
    I have learned to be very wary of advice given by residents, registrar's, students or random passers by. You will need to talk to your surgeon , again, and get them to explain more clearly what you options are. They can be hopeless at that stuff, but persist until you understand what is happening and why. It sounds like they want you to have chemo either way, which sucks but it's done for a reason and it's quite common to have that before surgery, particularly if you are considering any reconstruction. That is another conversation you need to have.
    If they think you should have a mastectomy first, they will tell you. M
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    7 years ago
    I guess what they are saying now is because of 2 lumps the only way to preserve the breast is if chemo prior shrinks the tumor enough to do lumpectomy. If it doesn't then it will need to be a mastectomy anyway.
    Only you can decide if you want to try and save part of your breast...no guarantees,  or just go for mastectomy then standard treatment.  They need the decision so they can book your surgery or book an oncologist. It's tough but you will feel better once you've decided.