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Anonymous

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ninnygirl

I was diagnoised last Thursday august 25,2016. my problem is I can not decide if I want a mastectomy or lumpectomy. I have spent about 2-5 hours a day looking up information on the internet and asking friends about breast cancer since then. I want to make a decision for sure when I go for my second opinion on Tuesday September 6th. I have already made a list of pros and cons but they come out even. years ago I read a book/biographie on nancy Reagan and thought that is for sure how I would go, a mastectomy. but now that I face in it reality making the decision is so hard for me. most days after lying awake thinking about it I am resolved to do the mastectomy route. then morning comes and I feel indecisive. is the decision process driving anyone else crazy besides me? I was dx with IDS. stage 1. grade 2 involving multiple tissues. I am 59 years old

Bonniebleu

Hi there,

I know it's a very hard decision, and my heart goes out to you.

I was diagnosed 3/31/16 and ended up having a BMX 5/12/16. I have a family history of BC and I knew I couldn't handle the anxiety/worry if it would recur in my opposite breast (that showed questionable growths too). Plus I had very dense breasts which would also heighten my worry. I know that doesn't guarantee it won't recur, but much less chance. You do have some time to think it over and talk to your Dr.s about what they recommend.

Sending you comfort and hugs!

BarredOwl

Hi ninnygirl:

I had widespread disease and no choice in the matter, but many people who have the option find this post from Beesie to be helpful:

Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy Considerations (Jun 20, 2013 post from Beesie

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics/806452?page=1#post_3598134

BarredOwl

ninnygirl

Thank you writing me and attempting to help me. I am having a lumpectomy on 9-19-16. the second opinion doctor recommended it. So I let him schedule me. Everyday since, I have contemplated calling him to try and change to mastectomy. So the decision anxiety continues. I read all the information offered on this site 2 times and other sites too. Was helpful and I am thankful for it. Trusting God to help me make a good and educated decision and get this cancer out of me.

ruthbru

If you have any doubts at all, go with the lumpectomy. That way your options are open if you change your mind at a later date. Once your breasts are gone......they are gone forever.

I had a lumpectomy. As time has past, I am even more glad that I made that choice. This is just me, but I would have had a hard time being flat, but the more I have learned about the problems with reconstruction, the less I think that I could ever go through that process (and it is a process, not a one shot and you're done type of thing). I also wanted as quick of a recovery time as possible, with the least chance of complications (which, like any surgery, the more extensive the surgery, the more chance there is of that). Radiation, for me, was the easiest part of the whole treatment. I had no bad SEs then or later. That breast actually looks 'perkier' than the other one. A friend of mine had BC about 35 years ago. Back then the only choice was a mastectomy. One reconstruction became widely available, she did reconstruct. She is a surgical nurse, so has seen the whole thing from both sides of the operating table. When I asked her advice, without skipping a beat she said, "If you have a choice, go with a lumpectomy!!!"