Forum Discussion
Double Lumpdectomy or Double Mastectomy????
Hi everyone,
First time on here and have been reading such amazing and positive posts. Thank you.
I was recently diagnosed with Synchronised Bilateral Early Stage Breast Cancer with Multifocal on the right side. My density is D so it was the MRI that showed the right side, not the mammogram. Both sides hormone receptive invasive carcinoma. Genetic testing done, started hormone therapy so could wait the 5 weeks for results. Should have them in 2 weeks.
I would like to know if a double mastectomy wouldn't be such a bad idea regardless of the above results. I am 52, was peri, and am already anxious. From what I have read about the multiple lumpdectomy surgeries and to assure margins, combined with my density I am worried what else they may find.
So far lymph nodes clear but not yet formally biopsied.
3 small, under 2cm tumours and lesion in right
1 small 2cm tumour in left.
Any advice, or personal experience from a similar situation, would be so helpful.
I would like to take in as much knowledge as I can to my next appt with the surgeon so I can make an informed decision. She is gunning for a lumpdectomy if not genetic but then said in the same sentence I may need more than one surgery.
Thanks in advance. This is such an overwhelming time.
Kind regards Aimee
Ps, not quite up with the correct terms so hopefully haven't confused anyone.
4 Replies
Thank you arpie . Very helpful and yes, joining the reconstruction group just in case. I will start writing my questions down for the surgeon as I read through posts and replies. Appointment in 2 weeks so I have time to plan and think. The decision will be made for me if genetic so will post some questions in the reconstruction area so I am prepared for that as an outcome too.
Great that you've found us, AimBar, welcome to the blog xx. Ask away, any questions you may have - remember - there are no 'silly questions' ....
If you find it all a bit stressful, give the BCNA Helpline a bell for a confidential chat on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) - and consider recording your appointments, so you can go over them again later, if you need to. It is difficult to remember EVERYTHING that is said at the time. And take a close friend or relative with you, as an extra set of ears and support. xxWhen do you next see the surgeon? We have a private group called Choosing Breast Reconstruction that you can join & explore ... where you could ask about the mastectomy & reconstruction if you end up having the mastectomy.
I'd basically told my surgeon that if he found it necessary after 'going in' .... to go ahead with a mastectomy - but he was happy to do the lumpectomy (as discussed) and 8 years later .... so far, so good!
Check out this thread for lots of info on the blog, as well as helpful info on what to take to hospital with you & other tips.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
Take care. all the best xx
SO good to hear that you are going so well, Minnie18 xx Yep, it can all appear so hard at the start - hearing the words 'You have cancer' .... the fear of the unknown, everything that the diagnosis & treatment entails .... it is devastating!Thank you Minnie18. I so appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Thank you for your advice. If I do have a mastectomy I will definitely look at options around reconstruction and meet with more than one surgeon.
I agree too around how special it is to have this online community. How helpful it is, and although every person's experience is different, it is such a comfort knowing you are not alone. Wishing you all the best.
Hi Aimee. I had a similar diagnosis of multifocal breast cancer a couple of years ago and I want to start this response saying that I am here two years later really well, happy, back at work and with no evidence of disease. I was so overwhelmed when diagnosed and thought life would never return to normal but it almost has. The main change is that I do carry that fear it will return one day but now think I just have to live and enjoy life and deal with it if that happens. I am sharing this because I wished when I had first been diagnosed that I had known of this network or others that had got through what I was going through. You will get through this and feel less overwhelmed as you make your way through the surgery and treatment. I did have a mastectomy though and one of my regrets is not looking into asking for reconstruction options at the time. I wish I’d had the chance to do it in the initial surgery. Now I’m torn whether to proceed or just stay flat. I recommend asking your surgeon what your options are if you are considering the mastectomy option. Take care and hope others share their experiences too
