Radiation or Mastectomy

Imtweedles

 I am 54 and have just been diagnosed with IDC. My choices now are mastectomy or radiation. I have heard pros and cos to both. Preferences?

idaho

With stage 0 grade 1 cancer there is no way I would have a mastectomy!  Unless you have DCIS all through your breast.  Lumpectomy and radiation are just as affective as mastectomy.  That is my preference any way- and that is what I did.   Peace and health to you.   Tami

Regawhatever

You should do what will help you sleep at night, but I will say that mastectomy seems like overkill unless you have DCIS throughout. Radiation, while inconvenient, isn't a very big deal physically. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

-Tricia

terrij152

I was diagnosed with IDC of the right breast and the main reason I chose bilateral mastectomies is that my MRI showed 14 other masses in both breasts.  My surgeon felt they were all benign, but if they changed at all I'd need a biopsy and if I got any new masses I'd need a biopsy too.  So I decided that I'd get the mastectomies and I don't regret it at all, especially when my sister who is a survivor had to have a biopsy one year after her lumpectomy.  It is a difficult choice to make, but in the end you'll know what to do.

Good luck!

Makratz

I agree with Tricia and Idaho, but you have to do what you feel is right.  I am stage 1 and had a lumpectomy and am happy with that.  I did rads, which was definitely manageable.  My BFF had dcis stage 0 and had a mx because she is a single mom of 3 and wanted to never worry about having cancer again (her mom died of cancer). 

Best of luck to you.  Take the advice but in the end, you need to do what will make you comfortable.

Linda