Forum Discussion

Lynn1's avatar
Lynn1
Member
6 years ago

Lumpectomy or straight to mastectomy

Currently have a 3cm malignant tumour on my left breast and no lymph node activity.  Did a core biopsy and it’s oestrogen and progesterone receptors are negative.  

The dr is suggestion a lumpectomy with 5cm margins and a sentinel node removal, chemo and radiation .

Dont know what to do.  Confused.  
diagnosis
surgery
treatment-decisions
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    6 years ago
    Hi @Lynn1 -  you can really only be guided by your medical team here - but ultimately, the choice really is yours.  I was lucky & went for lumpectomy/breast conserving surgery for invasive lobular cancer (oestrogen & progesterone +) and sentinel node removal.  I didn't need chemo, but did have 4 weeks of radiation & now on hormone suppressing meds.

    Does anyone in your family have a history of Breast Cancer?  This can sometimes sway you towards a mastectomy ....

    If they get clear margins with the lumpectmy & it is not in the nodes, it is usually considered a good result, with the other follow-up treatment as 'insurance'.

    Quite a few have to go back for a 2nd clearance, sometimes resulting in a mastectomy.

    Take care, all the best with your decision making xxx