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 atropine change. No family history of breast cancer. Throughout this time, for whatever reason, I anticipated that it would be cancer and decided on a mastectomy. At the appointment today I was given either lumpectomy and radiotherapy or mastectomy as options? I'm not sure what to think or feel? I actually expected an invasive diagnosis (don't ask me why?) so didn't anticipate that I'd have a choice. My next appointment and decision time is 12 January so I have some time...I'm thankful for this forum to speak frankly about it all. I have three children 26,25 and 21 and have spoken to them about the positive prognosis. Cheers Terrie

Hi TerrieSorry you have joined the club but it's a good place for advice and support. Like you, I had no family history of breast cancer, of any cancer actually. My choice however was a mastectomy or a partial mastectomy. I suspect if a lumpectomy had been an option I would have taken it, but with hindsight I am not so sure. I think it depends on lots of things. I wasn't attracted to a mangled breast, and didn't think I would have too much trouble about being mono boobed (I chose not to have a reconstruction for a number of good reasons). I wasn't scared of surgery (possibly out of sheer ignorance) but it was straightforward, little pain and I recovered very quickly. My surgeon recommended a full mastectomy as leaving less risk of missing something. But there are no absolute guarantees. 4 years on I am (cross fingers) well and have no regrets about my choices. And that's probably the most important thing - that you feel comfortable your decision. Best wishes, whatever you decide.

I chose a mastectomy with immediate tissue expanders (I had a bilateral). I too wasn't keen on having a malformed breast...with no nipple...as that was the unfortunate position...and then needing lots if work on remaining breast. My type of cancer had high recurrence risk so I decided for me this was my best option, especially since it was undetected by mammogram due to breast density. I have however seen great lumoectomy scars with mininal issues on others, so I guess more questions might he needed. In the end I went with my gut feeling and haven't regretted it.

Hi Terrie, so sorry for your diagnosis but as the other ladies have said you will find such lot of information and incredible support here.I was diagnosed with a 1.3cm invasive ductal carcinoma in July 16. My surgeon offered me a lumpectomy with radiation or a mastectomy. I am not big breasted and was concerned about clearing the margins with a lumpectomy - he agreed. To be honest at the time I just wanted the cancer out of me and do what I could to avoid any recurrence. I had a nipple sparing left mastectomy with an immediate silicone implant to match the other side. Straightforward, minimal pain. I was very fortunate and didn't have any lymph nodes involved.I'm very happy with my decision and 5 months on my "new" breast is feeling more and more comfortable and the scarring underneath is less tender. I do still have 3 beautiful blue circles from the lymph node dye tho!It's great that you have some time to make your decision Terrie. We are all happy to share our experiences and choices but in the end just do what you feel is right for you.wishing you all the best with your decision and next appointment. Let us know how you go.Jane x

Hi Isaidso, I just wanted to also jump in to welcome you to the Online Network, and to let you know that if you need any help online or accessing any additional support and or information, please just let me know.

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

Decision time - lumpectomy or masectomy?

33 Replies

Mima
Member
9 years ago
Hi isaidso
wonderful news that sentinel node was clear. Keep being kind to yourself and letting others nurture you if you have the support. Hope all goes well on Thursday and the next few days not too stressful. I was a mess before getting my results last Saturday but the ladies here were a great support.
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Yayyyyyyyyy Terrie!!! Fantastic that your through the surgery and that your sentinel node has come back clear. Woohoo!! It's perfectly normal to be a bit emotional - you have been and still are going through a lot both physically and emotionally so if you need to have a stress relieving cry go ahead and do it - you'll feel much better and it will probably help you to get it out of your system. Xx
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Sorry Terrie, Thursday x
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Glad to hear you are home and recovering well Terrie. And it's wonderful news about your clear sentinel nodes, that's a great start! Hoping your good news continues on Friday.
Take care, Jane x
primek
Member
9 years ago
Great news on the clear nodes. Netflex or dvds help pass the time. Take care. X
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
@Isaidso lovely you are home, now plenty of rest and nurture you...of course its emotional, none of it is easy. All the best for your results, keep us posted. Hugs Melinda xo
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Woo hoo clear sentinel node - that is a great result in itself - good luck with your appointment and take it easy! Just walk those arms slowly up the wall - no lifting or hanging out washing - give it time to heal! I used to do the washing and then walk from the machine to the maiden with one item at a time and hang them - I saw it as a bit of exercise and my independence!
Take care
Isaidso
Member
9 years ago
I'm now three days post mastectomy surgery and home. I've been reading the forum and it seems what I'm feeling is pretty normal - wanting to do things I 'd normally do but can't, swollen and tired and a little emotional.
I was advised that the sentinel node was clear and now await pathology, my appointment is on Thursday.
I know that others are recovering and receiving results and although I'm not posting comments, I am sending positive thoughts and virtual hugs. Terrie xxx
primek
Member
9 years ago
Once the decision is made it feels so much better. Goodluck with surgery.
Unicornkisses
Member
9 years ago
Hi Terrie, I am just home from my surgery. I chose the lumpectomy option but due to breast size also had a reduction on both sides. I hope your surgeon is really good, as mine was. I am psychedelic in colour but the pain is minimal and controlled with Panadol and ibuprofen, much to my surprise. I came home with an after surgery bra on. I had a look today at Target and they had quite a good range of after surgery bras when you need them. Knowing you are going in for such surgery is very daunting, I was very anxious too. I hope you can find ways to deal with the anxiety, not long to go now and that cancer will be gone.

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Decision time - lumpectomy or masectomy?

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