Forum Discussion

AimBar's avatar
AimBar
New member
2 hours ago

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.

double mastectomy
lumpectomy

2 Replies

  • AimBar's avatar
    AimBar
    New member
    19 minutes ago

    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.  

  • Minnie18's avatar
    Minnie18
    Member
    53 minutes ago

    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