Forum Discussion

Lana1's avatar
Lana1
Member
3 months ago

Suggestions/Experience

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice or experiences from others who might have faced a similar situation. I was recently diagnosed with invasive carcinoma grade 1 and have undergone a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy. The surgery also removed areas of DCIS, and thankfully, the pathology report shows that all margins are clear.

 

However, the report also found extensive LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), and now my doctor has presented me with two options moving forward:

  1. Undergo a double mastectomy to reduce future risk
  2. Or opt for regular screenings every 6 months for the rest of my life (mammograms, MRIs, etc.)

 

I need to make this decision before starting radiation, and I’m feeling really torn. A mastectomy is obviously a big step, but ongoing screenings come with their own stress and uncertainty too.

 

If anyone has had to choose between these options, or has any advice, experiences, or perspectives to share, I’d be really grateful to hear from you.

Thank you

double mastectomy
lumpectomy

4 Replies

  • 31breastca's avatar
    31breastca
    Member
    3 months ago

    I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction 7 days ago and have so far found the recovery very manageable! Besides the initial pain/emotions I’ve found I’ve bounced back a lot quicker than I thought but have been told I need 4-6 weeks off work as my job is quite physical

  • Morag's avatar
    Morag
    Member
    3 months ago

    I haven't yet had my surgery but have been trawling this site and Google for exactly that information.  I'm told 4 to 6 weeks recovery but some seem to bounce back quicker.

  • Morag's avatar
    Morag
    Member
    3 months ago

    I had a small invasive ductal carcinoma and had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. Node was clear but pathology showed DCIS to all margins of the removed tissue, none of which showed up on MRI. I was offered wider excision with radiation or mastectomy but it was explained that after excision, ongoing screening would be difficult because the DCIS wasn't detectable on imaging.

    I have chosen mastectomy because it would always be playing on my mind, is there more, will it invade and when? I have also chosen double to reduce further risk. But that's just me, I'm comfortable with losing my breasts in exchange for better mental health, and others may choose differently. All the very best with your treatment xx

    • Lana1's avatar
      Lana1
      Member
      3 months ago

      Thank you so much for your reply Morag. Just wanted to know whether are there any side effects of having double mastectomy. Also , may I know when did you have this done ,how long  recovery process can take place .