Lumpectomy or mastectomy?
I have just been diagnosed with invasive carcinoma grade 1, small (about 1) at 2 0’clock and have to decide pretty quickly whether to have just a lumpectomy or mastectomy. I am terrified of radiother...
Forum Discussion
@Xyzabc - sorry to see you here, but hope we can help you work thru your concerns. Stage 1 would be one of the best diagnoses to get - caught early & usually smaller ... altho being invasive (as was mine) radiation can be suggested as well .... for insurance.
It sounds like it is near your nipple at the 2 o'clock position? Mine was too. My surgeon was able to do the surgery under the nipple by cutting around the nipple & doing the removal of tumour and nodes from under the skin - so I have no other cuts ..... the nipple was stitched back on (after cutting away the loose skin, tidying it up) and I have next to no scarring at all and no real loss of sensation. (I was thinking I would come out looking like noughts & crosses!) Our minds really play games on us & we overthink stuff, bigtime.
I think many of us have had that same question upon diagnosis ..... I know I did. I was prepared to have a mastectomy if needed .... but my surgeon was very happy that just a lumpectomy was sufficient, with radiation as well as hormone tablets - he did a mini-reconstruct (just moved some 'fat' around) at the same time, tidying up the area so minimal scarring or indication of surgery.
I didn't have chemo but did have radiation & it was surprisingly easy! There is no need to be afraid of it .... Wait until you see your surgeon & dependent on their ultrasound (mine did one at my first appt) and previous scans that he will be studying - they will help guide you in your decision making.
Some, following mastectomy, have immediate reconstruction if the surgeon is qualified to do both - others have to wait for a time, to see a plastic surgeon & then may even decide not to continue with more surgery/anaesthetic.
It is such a very personal decision & only you can make it ..... but please have all the facts handy to you. I am not saying this to scare you, but having a mastectomy does not necessarily prevent a recurrence. :( Ask your surgeon about this.
Take care xx. Record all your appts and if you can, take a trusted friend with you as an extra set of ears. My sister in law was wonderful as my 'backup' .... and asked more questions than me!!
All the best with your decision making xx
It sounds like it is near your nipple at the 2 o'clock position? Mine was too. My surgeon was able to do the surgery under the nipple by cutting around the nipple & doing the removal of tumour and nodes from under the skin - so I have no other cuts ..... the nipple was stitched back on (after cutting away the loose skin, tidying it up) and I have next to no scarring at all and no real loss of sensation. (I was thinking I would come out looking like noughts & crosses!) Our minds really play games on us & we overthink stuff, bigtime.
I think many of us have had that same question upon diagnosis ..... I know I did. I was prepared to have a mastectomy if needed .... but my surgeon was very happy that just a lumpectomy was sufficient, with radiation as well as hormone tablets - he did a mini-reconstruct (just moved some 'fat' around) at the same time, tidying up the area so minimal scarring or indication of surgery.
I didn't have chemo but did have radiation & it was surprisingly easy! There is no need to be afraid of it .... Wait until you see your surgeon & dependent on their ultrasound (mine did one at my first appt) and previous scans that he will be studying - they will help guide you in your decision making.
Some, following mastectomy, have immediate reconstruction if the surgeon is qualified to do both - others have to wait for a time, to see a plastic surgeon & then may even decide not to continue with more surgery/anaesthetic.
It is such a very personal decision & only you can make it ..... but please have all the facts handy to you. I am not saying this to scare you, but having a mastectomy does not necessarily prevent a recurrence. :( Ask your surgeon about this.
Take care xx. Record all your appts and if you can, take a trusted friend with you as an extra set of ears. My sister in law was wonderful as my 'backup' .... and asked more questions than me!!
All the best with your decision making xx