Lumpectamy or Mastectamy? Help! Will I regret my decision?

blessed2014

I have recently been diagnosed with DCIS of a high nuclear grade. I have 2 calcifications but the doctor feels I would fair well with a Lumpectamy/rads and hormone therapy. I just got the news that I was negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene today. At first news I thought I would go the Lumpectamy route but the more I've researched the more I'm concerned it will come back and I have to face this agian. But the thought of going through the pain and recovery of the double mastectamy scares me! I have 2 children...the youngest 4 and lost my husband to Cancer 2 years ago. But I know that the more we do to our bodies the better the odds of complications,etc. Please help me off the ledge Ive found myself on. 

Bren-2007

Hi Blessed,

I am so sorry you find yourself here.  We're glad to have you, but the diagnosis sucks.

I had a small IDC and DCIS/LCIS tumor over seven years ago and at the time, I was pretty unknowledgeable about breast cancer.  I agonized over the decision to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy.  I chose the lumpectomy and radiation treatments. It was the right choice for me.  If you are at all concerned about having any regrets, perhaps a lumpectomy at this time would be a safe choice.  Once your breasts are gone ... can't get them back.  You can always rethink your decision and have the mastectomy at a later time.

Wishing you all the best in your decision.

hugs,

Bren

Annette47

I'm not as far out as Bren, but I too had a small DCIS with smaller IDC tumor and chose lumpectomy and radiation and have been happy with my choice.   I'd agree with the if you have any doubt, go with the lumpectomy, at least for now - you can always go back for the mastectomy later.   Radiation may affect your choice of reconstruction in that case, but it doesn't mean mastectomy with reconstruction can't be done.

ej01

I think every one of us has struggled with that decision.  I chose lumpectomy once I looked at how huge of a procedure it was to get  a mastectomy and the risks of complications.  I did not regret my decision even when I had a recent scare of suspicious calcifications. (turned out to be B9).  Cosmetics were not the driving factor for me  (although I got great cosmetic outcome), but quality of life was....how I feel every day.  I believe that the long term survival rate is very similar with lump/rad/hormone treatment as mastectomy. 

Good luck.  This must be an especially rough journey having just lost your husband to cancer.  

have2laugh

Blessed- You will find lots of information out there and opinions but ultimately you need to follow your heart. Even when you do make your choice, it is normal to have second thoughts here and there and sometimes the results of surgery and pathology can change recommendations. I am sorry that you must face this without your husband's support and I am sure your experiences with his illness must weigh on you. As someone who went back and forth and still does sometimes, I am ok with my decision for lumpectomy and radiation and I only have two more treatments so almost done. I can say it is a challenge for kids as well since my little one is three. I have been fortunate our neighbor who sits for us a day a week stepped up to take her during my treatments as family out of state and two days a week she goes to preschool just made sure we running on time for treatment. At times I wonder where I would be in process if I just did bilateral mastectomy w reconstruction-which was first instinct-but you make the best decision you can at a given time with information you have. I have been advised by surgeon due to amount of breast tissue removed, multifocal DCIS, and family history that I should proceed to mastectomy if anything more in either breast and I am ok with that, too. If I have to cross that bridge someday- at least I know all the specialists and I will get through it. Some things are out of our control but in the meantime I will start Tamoxifen next week and get regular MRIs. Lots of things we can do to help keep ourselves healthier.  And I am looking forward to not going for treatment every day even though they are very nice there-it is tiring. I have to say I am more calm about the future than I felt three months ago. I am also very happy with my results from an appearance standpoint and my second surgery was involved. I have great doctors I really trust-that is the key for me. Find a team that supports you whatever you decide on. I hope you find peace in your decision and  I wish you the best!

blessed2014

Thanks everyone. i am going in the morning for a Lumpectamy. Prayers accepted.