I am trying to work out which course to take i.e. breast conserving surgery or mastectomy. My Dr has indicated breast conserving would suffice however it appears from my reading that with breast conserving surgery there is a higher chance the cancer could comeback in the breast area.I'm almost 70 and am now leaning towards a mastectomy of the breast if not both. Just looking for other views on this please.

G;day MidgetI am sorry you had to join us ladies but welcome anyway ! I am getting towards your age and hope my comments will help you.I had a mastectomy (no other option given, nor reconstruction offered) and wish I'd known more at the time.Now ? I would have said "cut them both off and be done with it". After two years of a 'fakie' I would rather just be flat (I was never too well-endowed anyway.Fakies can be a nuisance on all sorts of levels from the heat factor to trying to always be sure it is level with the real one on the other side. They do, however, make one's clothing fit and look better.Would I go for immediate reconstruction ? Not really as there is always additional surgeries and any surgery is a risk really. I am not keen on the idea of having artificial stuff inside me either.Midget, I wish you all the best as you make your decision. Keep in touch, not that I get on line much these days, and I will try to follow your post.Kind regardsSummer

Hi Midget, I had a 1.2cm tumour and a lumpectomy and radiation almost 2 years ago. There's been no sign of any more cancer since. I'm on tamoxifen currently.

Hi MidgetI was 67 when diagnosed, and had only the choice of a partial or full mastectomy. If you are not concerned about preserving the breast, and many women quite rightly are, then a mastectomy resolves issues about cancer in that breast but provides no guarantee about experiencing cancer again. When we are first diagnosed, we cross a line between knowing about cancer in the abstract and living with the knowledge that we have had it and might possibly get it again. I never wanted reconstruction, have had a prosthesis for 3 years (quite large breasted) and find it no problem. As always, the best advice is listen to your medical team and make the decision that feels right for you. Good luck.

HI Midget. I had a choice and was told that both options would mean I would have the same 5 yr survival rate. To be honest I really wanted to keep my nipple (that was my big thing) and I also couldn't face a reconstruction surgery at the time, nor did I want to be flat chested as I had large breasts. So for me the choice was a lumpectomy. It did mean that I had to have radiation though and now there is some uncertainty about what reconstruction options I can have if the breast cancer ever comes back in the future. But I don't really sit and worry about getting a recurrence because I've chosen a lumpectomy. Everyone is so different. Others I know want both breasts removed asap. I never felt that way. Good luck with your decision.

Hi Midget - sorry to hear your predicament. We all have varying experiences. Mine was Mastectomy. It is about what is best for you. Please don't worry yourself about recurrence. Yes that is a worry for all of us regardless of the type of surgery we've had, no rhyme or reason. Good luck and take care

breast conserving surgery or mastectomy

28 Replies

primek
Member
9 years ago
I foubd a lump 5 weeks after my mammogram. Yes most likely you will be offered ACT-H treatment and radiotherapy of course. It's a long rode but totally doable. Great news on the clear scans.
midget
Member
9 years ago
Here is a little more detail from my pathology report. First though I'd like to mention that over the years I have had regular mammogram checkups, in fact the last one I had was in January 2016, 11 months before my biopsy. Pathology results oestrogen receptor - positive although only just 25%,Progesterone receptive - negative and HER2 status positive. Tumor size 28mm. Tumor Grade 3, Lymph nodes completely clear,, complete clearance re the tumor. Last week I had C.T Scans and Nuclear Imaging done. All good. Now I wait two more weeks to see Oncology. Seems like treatment will initially b Chemo followed by trastuzumab (Herceptin). My Specialist Surgeon is happy with my choice of lumpectomy.
Kathyjane
Member
9 years ago
hi.. I had a bilateral reduction last July going from a DD to a B cup but my Surgeon took all the ducts off and away from the back of my nipples so I should not get it back again.. (fingers crossed) ... but I have my own boobs still even tho I went from a DD to a B cup... if you are happy with a mastectomy and you can maybe handle prosthetics then that is definitely a choice.
Isaidso
Member
9 years ago
Hi Midget. I also had good news - no lymph node involvement - so very happy about that. My appointment for pathology is 2 February but was advised it could take another week! The focus is resting and healing. I'll look out for your update. Xxx
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Midget great news of no lymph node involvement!! Woohoo!!! I received this news the day after my lumpectomy and that was a huge relief!!! Hugs Melinda xo
Butterfly_40
Member
9 years ago
Hi Midget, it's great your lymph nodes were clear! It took 2 weeks for me to find out all my pathology results. It's nerve racking to wait for the results. Good luck with the rest of the results!
Lots of love and hugs for you!
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Midget!!!! Yayyyyyyyy!!!! That is one huge result in itself. Woohoooo!!!! Crossing fingers for good pathology for the rest. Xx
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
The waiting is so hard midget, but how wonderful that your lymph nodes are clear. That's a great start! Hope the rest of your results arrive soon and are also good news. Let us know how you go. Jane xx
midget
Member
9 years ago
I had my surgery Friday the 20th April.We expected the results to be back by Wednesday the 25th.We got some but not all my surgeon wanted. Thursday was Australia Day so expected final results Friday. No luck. Still waiting and expect the rest Monday 30th January. However the one result I did get was that the cancer has not progressed to my lymph nodes.
Toni63
Member
9 years ago
I am 4 weeks post bilateral with tram recon... everyone else has covered most of what i could say... so I wish you all the best midget.. sending a big virtual hug..