How do I decide? Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

Anonymous

How do I decide? Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

How-to-Decide

I had two opinions after two mammograms and a needle biopsy - both came back IDC in the right breast, mass just over 2cm, grade 2, score 30% Ki67, ER/PR positive and DCIS also in the right breast. I have two other benign cysts - also in the right breast.

I have had fibroid breasts since my early 20s. Always lumps and bumps to worry about. I am now 48. I have had 3 previous lumpectomy's and 2 core biopsy's (these were all benign). Two of my aunts had breast cancer but my genetic test came back negative.

After much thought and anguish - I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy. I scheduled the surgery and a few days later the hospital called me back and said they noticed some papillary features in my films so they wanted to send my films and biopsy to specialist for another opinion. After 10 days, the now 3rd opinion---comes back with a confirmation of IDC, confirms grade 2 and 30% but they state the invasive tumor is only 1mm; not 2cm. They also confirmed the presence of DCIS with some papillary features, a fibroid tumor and a benign cyst.

I spoke with the doctor who states a lumpectomy with radiation would be a less invasive way to go. She said they could always do a mastectomy after the lumpectomy if the tissue showed IDC larger than 1mm; if they don't get clear margins. She seems to be pushing me to a lumpectomy but what happens if it comes back and the preexisting clause in Obamacare is gone?

Now I have no clue what to do. I don't want to go through multiple surgeries and I don't want to stress every day over every lump and thick area I feel in my breasts (which will be all the time). I really don't understand how two opinions come back 100% the same and then the third shows its not 2cm its 1mm. Don't get me wrong - its good if its smaller - I get that. Im just so cofused now I don't know which way to turn.

Has anyone been through something similar? Help? Thank you!

beach2beach

How-to-Decide,

Welcome but sorry you find yourself here. While I have not gone through anything similar I am questioning the size. I would def be confused if it changed like that from 2cm. 1 mm is a tiny tiny speck. Did you mean 1cm? or possibly a different mm size? That would be quite a difference. Did you get a copy of that report? Perhaps if you post it so DJMammo (he is a retired board certified breast imaging radiologist) can read it. Hopefully he will pop on and see your question and know the right questions to ask you.

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

how to decide -

I don't know if there is a correct answer. I think we are all concerned about preexisting conditions and insurance. I know for sure it is something that gets plenty of space to roll around in my mind. As far as treatment, I am not sure if anyone else has had the same experience you have, but for sure we all have had to figure out "what to do?" - listen to your gut, if you believe in prayer- pray, and listen to your medical team...and I would say search these boards for threads about lumpectomies and mastectomies.....and learn as much as you can...hopefully the right thing to do will start to become clear.