What to do? Which surgery?

kdoyle

Hey, I was just recently diagnosed with IDC, 4cm in left breast. Both my BS and my Oncologist have told me that I am a candidate for either a lumpectomy or a bilateral mastectomy. I have extensive breast cancer history. My mother has had it 3 times, her two sisters (1 of which died from BC) and both of my grandmothers.

If I proceed with the lumpectomy, I must have chemo first to shrink the tumor and then have breast reconstruction on the right side. If I proceed with the bilateral mastectomy, I will need chemo following the surgery. I am confused. I don't know what to do. I have an intense fear of the pain and risk involved in the bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.

Help

inks

Have you been tested for BRCA? If you are BRCA negative you could do neoadjuvant chemo and lumpectomy. You can always get a mastectomy later but you can't get your breasts back once you have had mastectomy. Any surgery carries risks and mastectomy with reconstruction can be a long surgery. Do the mastectomy only if it's medically nessesary.

Jenwith4kids

This really has to be your own decision. I chose double mastectomy - the pain was not terrible. Especially when I compared it to the anxiety I knew I would feel at every mammogram. Women without a history of bc have a 1 in 8 chance of getting it. You now have a history which increases your risk as long as you have breasts. That scared the heck out of me.

Good luck.

maxdog

Take your time and educate yourself. Don't feel rushed to make a decision immediately. You need to do what is right for you and your body. We are all afraid, but as strong women, we will do what we have to do to survive!

MizMimi

Hi there! Tough decision for sure! I have mother and mat. grandmother both with BC. I only have DCIS but for peace of mind and avoidance of radiation I am going with double mastectomy.

I am scared of the surgery and recovery process but I'm pretty sure its the best option for me.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure you will figure out what is right for you

cindyk0519

thinking of you! As others have said it is a decision that only you can make and as we all know is not an easy one. Listen to what others offer as advice, read what you can, talk with those you love and who support you daily, and ultimately listen to what you heart tells you. You will do what is best - try not to worry or over think too much. Gentle hugs to you

kdoyle

thank you everyone for your thoughts. I met with the plastic surgeon yesterday. I feel confident with him. Going to make a decision sometime within the next 2 weeks.