Forum Discussion
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...
Hi Kerrie
You've still got a bit of time to think about it. Big decision.
I'm 44 and was freaked out about getting a new cancer and the prospect of having to have regular lifelong scans, including MRIs because of the breast tissue being so dense.. Was 12DD and ended up choosing bilateral mastectomy after initial lumpectomy, rather than leaving it at that and having radiotherapy. The anxiety was more of a factor (re recurrence, young age, blah blah) than keeping my boobs. The other thing to consider is that if you do have radiotherapy and later require a mastectomy, the reconstruction may be affected by the radiotherapy. Just something to be aware of.
Very much a personal choice after taking into account what the specialist recommends. Wishing you all the best :)