It sounds like you had a great appointment! Its so important that you feel comfortable with your Surgeon, and seems you received lots of information which is great too! I think the tough part is, until you have surgery you won't get pathology and thats really the only way to know the definite diagnosis and then able to make decisions from there. My first diagnosis was 2011 I had Mammos/U/sounds, core biopsy but biopsy came back negative. Thank God for my surgeon who wasnt convinced and said that they are not always fool proof and effective. So I opted for a lumpectomy and he cut around the nipple. I had DCIS so was super early, I then had Radiation and tamoxifen for 4yrs. Unfortunately I had a recurrence in my scar in 2015 and it was IDC Grade 2 Stage 3 aggressive. I had clear margins, no lymph node involvement and BRCA Gene negative. My Surgeon did another major lumpectomy as Im big breasted, and he said in my case it was as good as a Mastectomy that in terms of surgery for me there was no difference. I felt happy with that decision based on his opinion also. I did 4.5 months of chemo and now on Arimidex and unfortunately now though Im cancer free, because of recurrence my Oncologist and Surgeon recommend a Mastectomy, so Im booked and waiting for a date with immediate Diep Flap reconstruction, which my Plastic Surgeon said is his preferred method. I had radiation so not a candidate for implant but also, 2 major lumpectomies, I have a massive scar across my breast so really this will be the best option. I dont regret the slow approach in lumpectomies before now after 5yrs of this facing a Mastectomy based on my situation and diagnosis. All we can do is what we feel is right for ourselves, its individual and somethings are out of our control depending on pathology and diagnosis. I remember my Oncologist meeting in 2015 when I was beside myself over my recurrence and we discussed treatment..I had no options just chemo, I cannot do radiation again. I remember him saying, its a gamble no matter what your choice is, I could do chemo, not do chemo, he has no way of knowing whether it will come back or not. So I guess I realised along the way that all decisions have to be purely mine and what I was happy with. Big hugs! Its not easy, but sounds like you are in great hands!!! Let us know how you go! Melinda xo
