breast conserving surgery or mastectomy
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 conse...
Forum Discussion
Statistically there is no difference with 5 year survival rates on mastectomy and lumpectomy with radiotherapy and whatever the other treatments are that is offered with your type of cancer.
Because of the positioning of my tumour my lumpectomy would have really been a partial mastectomy and being large busted and 51 with strong family history (and an aggressive tumour) , with my surgeon I decided on a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction from the beginning. I have yet to do changeover which is apparently a small procedure. I knew that for me I didn't want a lumpectony as it would have meant the need for me to be away from my family for a month (500k from radiotherapy dept) and further surgery on remaining breast to get a bit of a match. I actually think for me it was an easier option. Of course until sentinal node was done I couldn't be certain I wouldn't need radiotherapy.
I suggest you consider your lifestyle (like do you swim or exercise?) And would that have an impact. How do your clothes fit now? I'm bottom heavy ...narrow shouldered. ..no bust would make it impossible to find clothing to fit. All these things to think about.
12 months on my internal prosthesis just feel part of me. I can go braless if I really want. I can wear different clothing now as they are slightly smaller without the droop. I love that I can wear bathers I want, not worry about needing crop top ones so my old boobs weren't at my waist. I do miss the feel of my breasts, but I have accepted that this was the choice I made to give me peace of mind and hopefully avoid a new primary or recurrance. Of course we are all hoping that we are successful in avoiding advancement of disease but no procedure can guarantee that.
Goodluck with your decision. Kath x
Because of the positioning of my tumour my lumpectomy would have really been a partial mastectomy and being large busted and 51 with strong family history (and an aggressive tumour) , with my surgeon I decided on a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction from the beginning. I have yet to do changeover which is apparently a small procedure. I knew that for me I didn't want a lumpectony as it would have meant the need for me to be away from my family for a month (500k from radiotherapy dept) and further surgery on remaining breast to get a bit of a match. I actually think for me it was an easier option. Of course until sentinal node was done I couldn't be certain I wouldn't need radiotherapy.
I suggest you consider your lifestyle (like do you swim or exercise?) And would that have an impact. How do your clothes fit now? I'm bottom heavy ...narrow shouldered. ..no bust would make it impossible to find clothing to fit. All these things to think about.
12 months on my internal prosthesis just feel part of me. I can go braless if I really want. I can wear different clothing now as they are slightly smaller without the droop. I love that I can wear bathers I want, not worry about needing crop top ones so my old boobs weren't at my waist. I do miss the feel of my breasts, but I have accepted that this was the choice I made to give me peace of mind and hopefully avoid a new primary or recurrance. Of course we are all hoping that we are successful in avoiding advancement of disease but no procedure can guarantee that.
Goodluck with your decision. Kath x