Newly Diagnosed
Hi,
I have just been told I have early breast cancer.
I have a week to decide what to do! I can choose between a lump removal and radiation or a mastectomy what a choice - I don't know what to do.
Forum Discussion
11 Replies
i agree with all the points shared here. i was in your shoes just over a year ago and it is such a trying time. you need to be as informed as possible and lean on your friends and family as much as you can. mine have been my rock throughout all of it.
do you have a breast care nurse?? they can help you out as well as social workers at the hospital both emotionally and financially. the ladies here are great feel free to ask any questions you like
i agree with all the points shared here. i was in your shoes just over a year ago and it is such a trying time. you need to be as informed as possible and lean on your friends and family as much as you can. mine have been my rock throughout all of it.
do you have a breast care nurse?? they can help you out as well as social workers at the hospital both emotionally and financially. the ladies here are great feel free to ask any questions you like
So sorry honey that you have to be faced with this!! A bit more time would have been helpful to stop the spinning that goes on in your head when diagnosed with such a shock!!!
You really need to get more information from your breast care team!! The first thing i did was to ask them what they would do if it was them in your situation!! They know.. if anyone does.. it would be someone who works day in day out and dealing with this every day!! They know what the best treatment is.. they know what you need to do to fight this in the best possible way!
Sending you a big warm hug x
- So good to hear you are so thrilled. I am still researching the best way to go for myself. You sound perky after such gruelling surgery. Very inspiring. I was moving away from the microsurgery option. Really great news from you, I hope you continue to heal well and put it all behind you. Can't wait till I'm there too. Good info for everyone trying to make decisions. Louie
- I had a lumpectomy back last December after being rushed into making a decision within a week... Four days ago I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate free TRAM flap reconstruction. In hindsight I would have gone for this option right up front. I reasearched radiotherapy and was totally terrified of the long term side effects and in the end withdrew from them very early and changed the plan to this. All the doctors and nurses who have seen these new perky "barby boobs" have used the word amazing :-) I am very happy with the shape and size and cleavage and will get new nipples and tattooed areolas early next year. To do this you need a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon to work together. It was a 12 hour surgery and it is costing us many thousands out of pocket ($1000 gap for the BS, $8000 gap for the PS and $4000 gap for the anaesthetist). But hubby and I agree that the outcome and freedom from future worry of more BC in my breasts is worth it. Now I just need to worry about distant metastatic disease developing in other places. But for 85% of women it never does. Jenn
Great answers from informed pink sisters!
Great answers from informed pink sisters!
- Hi boobella , I was diagnosed in oct 2010 ith breast cancer at the age of 33 , I opted for the lumpectomy ... Then it turned out I needed chemo and radiation due to me being triple negative so I couldn't go on hormone treatment and my chances of recurrence was higher. This year my genetic test came back As being positive for the brca1 gene which meant my surgeons highly recommended a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy and Expanders and later implants .... It's been a hell of a 2 years but if I had known I had the genetic fault at time of diagnosis I would of done the biateral with expanders and chemo and not done radiation ( I'm having issues with my radiated side with severe wound breakdown ) Ask for the options nd seek others advise . Good luck
Pressure is not what you need, why such a hurry as I dont think we are quite in a 100 percent state when we are diagnosed, return to the surgeon and get him to present the reasons why for each option get all the info you can. And dont forget you can always get a 2nd opinion especially as your life is in their hands, but its your body and your life you do what you feel is right. Dont forget to get the my journey kit from bcna its invaluable, and of course this site.
Welcome to the gang
I am sorry to hear you have breast cancer but welcome to this network.It's very hard when you have to make such a difficult decision and let's face it, either is an awful decision.Usually your surgeon will weigh up the pros and cons, statistics etc. and perhaps guide you to one or the other.If you are not sure then you may need to ask your surgeon more questions. I've had both procedures.I had a lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation back in 2003 and then cancer came back in the same spot 7 years later.So in 2010 I had no choice but to have a mastectomy then chemo.In my case,there was an 8%chance of recurrence- very unlucky! So here is my personal take on it: a lumpectomy leaves you with some sort of a breast in which to fill a bra.Radiation left my breast with a permanent discomfort.It was hard doing the 6 weeks of radiation every day but NOT as hard as chemo.I was 47 yrs old at the time and abit horrified at the thought of losing my breast. The next time I was 54 yrs of age and I wasn't as scared to lose my breast - maybe age or perhaps I was used to it and had no choice anyway. The operations are both the same painwise and recoverywise. The issue I have now is that if I ever want a reconstruction then I am limited because I had radiation. A mastectomy is more confronting,a reminder you had bc. I wear a prosthesis which is fine but I can't wear lower necklines-a minor irritation. I may have confused you more now but perhaps it gives you an idea of what questions to ask your doctor.We are all different and make our decisions for all sorts of reasons.So at the end of the day,go with what feels right for you and that will be the right choice.In the meantime,ask lots of questions and vent your fears here- it often helps.
Tonya xx
