Forum Discussion
kerrie44
10 years agoMember
Decision conserving surgery or mastectomy? confused
Hi
My name is Kerrie and I am 44 years old and I have just been diagnosed with HER2 breast cancer and have to decide between breast conserving surgery or a mastectomy. I am having a hard time with...
GeorginaMary
10 years agoMember
What does your surgeon recommend? If you have had good things said of your surgeon by other patients or friends, go with what he/she recommends, perhaps. My cancer in my right breast is hormone receptive and not HER2 receptive, but the tumour which appeared to be two small tumours turned out to be one very large underlying one. Two operations failed to get it all, and I am having a mastectomy in a week, and accept that it is necessary. If your surgeon is as confident as is possible under the circumstances that a lumpectomy will suffice, that could be the way to go. Another factor to take into account is if you have private health insurance, as this will greatly shorten your waiting time if you have a mastectomy and wish to have a reconstruction. It can be quite a long wait for a subsequent reconstruction if you are going through the public health system. In the end, go with your gut feeling after listening to your surgeon. The best of luck in making your decision.