breast conserving surgery or mastectomy

Hey There! I had breast concerving in 2011, Radiation and Tamoxifen for 4yrs, 2015 a recurrence in my scar tissue and further breast conserving surgery. My Surgeon said at the time there is NO difference between the 2, that I would NOT have any advantage doing a Mastectomy. Though after Chemo and 1yr on I am absolutely fine, I have to have a mastectomy now as purely precaution and not wanting to gamble again, but having Diep Flat Recon immediately. I don't regret breast conserving as I was 43 at first diagnosis and believe this was the best path for me and my diagnosis. Im only having the one breast off however. I'm at the stage after years of doing this, of not wanting to fix whats not broken, so keeping my right. Its super personal. Hugs Melinda xo

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

Hi Midget, when I was diagnosed I wanted a mastectomy but surgeon said a lumpectomy would be enough. Well I had to have a mastectomy as well due to widespread lympovascular invasion. My breast was about half the size of the other one anyway after lumpectomy. I am three quarters through chemo & then radiotherapy & then I am having mastectomy on other side with reconstruction on both sides. 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 

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

I 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 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.

G;day Midget
I 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 regards
Summer