Newly Diagnosed

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