Questions about treatment

sapphire11

I was recently diagnosed Stage 1 IDC.  My surgeon recommended a lumpectomy but I decided for a full bilateral mastectomy based on possibility of return and my age (65).  He said so far no radiation or chemo based on no Lymph Node spreading.  After reading message boards and talking to a few friends I hear that you need at least Chemo or radiation.  I am wondering if others have done a mastectomy with no treatments of radiation or chemo or if I need to ask more questions or get second opinion.  I also have several differing opinions on recovery time.  Mine says 2 weeks..is that normal?  Any suggestions and comments are very much appreciated.  God Bless everyone in their recovery.

dlb823

sapphire, I'm so sorry about your recent diagnosis.  What many women don't realize at first is that breast cancer isn't all the same. There can be many differences between women, and the treatment that's recommended for you will be based on a number of individual factors, including your hormone status, Her2neu status, and Oncotype DX score.  For some with early stage bc and no particularly aggressive factors, a bilateral mx might be enough.  So, no, it's not true that you will automatically need either chemo or radiation. 

After you have your surgery, the lesion that's removed is normally sent to out for an Oncotype DX test.  If your sentinel node dissection confirms no lymph node involvement and you have a low oncotype score and good margins (the tumor isn't too close to the chest wall), then there's a good chance you won't need chemo or rads.

As far as recovery time, did your breast surgeon tell you two weeks?  Are you planning on having reconstruction?  That would add to your recovery time.  With or without reconstruction, 2 weeks seems very fast to me.  You would certainly be over the initial hump (drains out, etc.) within two weeks, but I would think feeling well enough to resume your normal activities, be able to lift things, etc., would take a few weeks.   Deanna

Pessa

I had BMX, 2 separate surgeries with chemo in between.  No reconstruction.  I was back at work full time in two weeks (after each surgery).  I was 58 and 59 at the times of the surgeries.  I have essentially a desk job.  I'm 61 now.  Had chemo (oncotype score was 28) but no rads.  Nodes were neg.

dogsandjogs

 I had a mastectomy with reconstruction in 1982. 17 nodes removed - all were clear No further treatment other than annual blood tests. I was back to work in 3 weeks (although the surgeon wanted me to stay home for 6!) I was 46.

vicharri

I had a bilateral Mastectomy with clear margins and 0/9 nodes. I could have done 4 cycles of chem but have chosen to do the Amidrex for 5 years. It was a tough decision to make as I was in the area where chemo would make a 6-7% difference in probability of recurrance. I am now quite comfortable with my decision. 

Cindyl

My friend had a lumpectomy several years ago.  Very small, no other treatment needed.  They had her do more frequent mammograms for a while, but now she's back on a once a year plan. 

It all just depends on your situation.