Double or single mastectomy
I am 77 and after 10 weeks of chemo have been offered a right mastectomy and a "clip" under local and then lumpectomy for the left breast. I am tending towards a double mastectomy. I have read up on p...
Forum Discussion
Welcome to the site, @judys. You'll find lots of help & support here.
Whilst you don't say, I'm guessing from yor reference to surgery on both breasts that you have tumours on both sides? Only you you can decide what surgery you are more comfortable with, after discussion with your team.
As far as radiotherapy goes, a lot will depend on the extent of the tumours, and any node involvement, as determined at the time of surgery.
Do you still have more chemo to go, before your surgery happens? If so, why not ask for a discussion with a radiation oncologist, in order to find out what information may lead to you needing or not needing radiotherapy. Often, with a mastectomy & no node involvement, radiotherapy isn't given, but there are all sorts of variables.
Again, I can't stress enough, talk to your team, ask lots of questions, in order to make the best decision for you.
Take care
Whilst you don't say, I'm guessing from yor reference to surgery on both breasts that you have tumours on both sides? Only you you can decide what surgery you are more comfortable with, after discussion with your team.
As far as radiotherapy goes, a lot will depend on the extent of the tumours, and any node involvement, as determined at the time of surgery.
Do you still have more chemo to go, before your surgery happens? If so, why not ask for a discussion with a radiation oncologist, in order to find out what information may lead to you needing or not needing radiotherapy. Often, with a mastectomy & no node involvement, radiotherapy isn't given, but there are all sorts of variables.
Again, I can't stress enough, talk to your team, ask lots of questions, in order to make the best decision for you.
Take care