Decision conserving surgery or mastectomy? confused

Hi Kerrie

I was diagnosed at 47 last October with HER2 positive with a lump 1.9 cm and faced the same choice. I agree with Gurneys that deciding between a lumpectomy and mastectomy is such an individual thing and depends on a lot of factors.

There were a lot of things I had to weigh up. My particular surgeon specialised in breast conserving surgery and thought that she would be able to get good clearance but did warn that I could face a second operation if we didn't get good clearance.   Two reasons why I chose a lumpectomy were I have large breasts and was concerned I wouldn't get good symmetry if I were to choose a mastectomy and reconstruction; and I had a strong desire to keep my nipple. I know some surgeons can do this with a mastectomy but in the end I thought I had a better chance of keeping my nipple if I had a lumpectomy.  Luckily I had good clearance with no cancer in the lymph nodes and got to keep my nipple with only one scar that runs under my armpit and which is barely noticeable when my arm isn't raised.

From memory I think my surgeon said the chance of recurrence was about the same for HER2 patients whether they have mastectomy or a lumpectomy but you may want to check that with your surgeon.

Everyone is different and you should choose whatever you feel comfortable with in consultation with your surgeon.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Take care, Nadine