Decision time - lumpectomy or masectomy?
It's been quite a interesting three weeks or so for me. An inflamed breast, biopsy, inconclusive results, surgical biopsy and today a diagnosis of high grade intaductal carcinoma with prominent atropi...
Forum Discussion
Sorry for your bad news.
I had a lumpectomy. I have a T shaped scar on my breast. It was quite red and raised but is improving now. I had one night in Hospital for the operation with no drain. I had morphine for the pain initially but after a few hours stopped that because of nausea. Panadol was sufficient after a few hours. I was surprised how little pain I had. But no operation is pleasant.
After radiation the breast which had cancer is noticeably smaller than the unaffected breast. However with a bra on it's not so noticeable. I also have some beast lymphedema.
I suspect it's a lot easier having a smaller breast than no breast and having to wear a prosthesis. Less confronting.
However, if a mastectomy means no radiation, that would be good too. I found radiation quite tiring. Not as bad as chemotherapy but still unpleasant once my skin showed the effects of the radiation. And radiation can cause Lympodema.
its a tough choice because there are advantages to both approaches. Good luck with it and your treatment. Karen
I had a lumpectomy. I have a T shaped scar on my breast. It was quite red and raised but is improving now. I had one night in Hospital for the operation with no drain. I had morphine for the pain initially but after a few hours stopped that because of nausea. Panadol was sufficient after a few hours. I was surprised how little pain I had. But no operation is pleasant.
After radiation the breast which had cancer is noticeably smaller than the unaffected breast. However with a bra on it's not so noticeable. I also have some beast lymphedema.
I suspect it's a lot easier having a smaller breast than no breast and having to wear a prosthesis. Less confronting.
However, if a mastectomy means no radiation, that would be good too. I found radiation quite tiring. Not as bad as chemotherapy but still unpleasant once my skin showed the effects of the radiation. And radiation can cause Lympodema.
its a tough choice because there are advantages to both approaches. Good luck with it and your treatment. Karen