Forum Discussion
Mastectomy in Stage 4?
Hi, I've been metastatic for 2 years, have only had initial chemo and have been on herceptin and Perjeta for almost 2 years. My recent mammogram showed that my primary tumour has recurred and there ar...
Hi Leapfrog, thanks for your reply. I’m pleased u r much improved after ur surgery.
The tumours came back with slightly different receptors, new one is PR neg, original is still triple positive. I commenced tamoxifen 3 weeks ago and saw the surgeon again yesterday. I’m still undecided, I’m worried that if I go thru with the mastectomy and radiotherapy that mets will reappear soon after, and the ongoing grief and trauma related to losing the breast would be for nought. If I was not Stage 4 or if it was just a lumpectomy with rads or a mastectomy with immediate recon I would do it. But I know that I would be stressed out trying to hide being lopsided, and I question the impact on my quality of life for however long I have left. I really cannot make a decision.
The tumours came back with slightly different receptors, new one is PR neg, original is still triple positive. I commenced tamoxifen 3 weeks ago and saw the surgeon again yesterday. I’m still undecided, I’m worried that if I go thru with the mastectomy and radiotherapy that mets will reappear soon after, and the ongoing grief and trauma related to losing the breast would be for nought. If I was not Stage 4 or if it was just a lumpectomy with rads or a mastectomy with immediate recon I would do it. But I know that I would be stressed out trying to hide being lopsided, and I question the impact on my quality of life for however long I have left. I really cannot make a decision.