Did any of you jump straight to a mastectomy?

amoran

I'm 27 and I was diagnosed with cancer this week. I first went to the surgeon in Nov. and he said it was likely nothing. Went back because it was growing, and he said it was nothing but let's take it out. Turns out it is cancer and he doesn't understand exactly what type but has it in the Invasive Ductile Carcinoma category. They had to send it to 2 other pathologists for confirmation. He is also taking my case to a conference next week.

My boobs are small and I'm wondering if I should just get a mastectomy. I know that doing this won't guarantee ridding the cancer, but I don't want to go through several biopsies and lumpectomies if I can avoid it.

Did any of you comtemplate this? What did you do?

Cpeachymom

Hi amoran- sorry you find yourself here. From my experience, I had a large tumor 4+cm and 6+cm of dcis, and I had small breasts too. So the decision was kinda made for me. It was like both breast surgeons I saw were trying to break it to me gently that lumpectomy wasn’t an option like I couldn’t figure that out myself! It was almost amusing, if any part of this can be considered funny.

amoran

Thanks for the response. Glad you are able to laugh My doctor was telling me that some of the nurses he has talked to say that they would just get a mastectomy immediately instead of waiting. I don't know if that was gentle guidance or not. haha. Hope you are doing well.

Moderators

amoran, sorry you find yourself here, and at such a young age. That said, you are certainly not alone. Many women opt for a mastectomy over a lumpectomy, it is all just a very personal decision and dependent on the size of your tumor, as Cpeachymom explained.

We're all here for you, and sending you gentle hugs!

swg

I would not "jump" into anything. Your treatment plan is VERY important. You really need to take your time..do some research..make sure you assemble the BEST team.

I was diagnosed in September and did not have my unilateral mastectomy until late November because I really needed to do more follow up testing, due to having dense breasts. I'm glad I did. My surgeon was very thorough and had me do a breast MRI...the MRI found ANOTHER tumor that the mammogram and ultrasound MISSED. So I could NOT do a lumpectomy.

I suggest you make sure you find the BEST drs, and THEN work on a treatment plan. Don't panic.

EastcoastTS

Amoran:

So sorry you have joined our club -- but glad you found us.

I was also very/very small chested. So, the plastic surgeons I talked to (3) were never in favor of lumpectomy (because so much of my breast would be removed even with a smaller tumor). However, they aren't concerned with cancer. Just cosmetics.

I really took some time to weigh all my options and I received 2nd opinions (one at MD Anderson). I finally decided on BMX (bilateral mastectomy) for a variety of reasons. Briefly: (1) mammogram did not see my tumor and I could not leave the future to that -- (ILC, my type) tends to hide from mammo (2) I would have had a heck of time gaining symmetry with such small breasts if I went UMX (unilateral mastectomy). And I could not see placing an implant to size up the other side, which I would have had to do, in a "healthy" breast I was not completely certain was healthy (3) MRI showed another area of concern near the tumor -- ended up being benign but that was kinda my call to at least go UMX.

It's a personal decision and if you search the boards, you will find many previous forums with this question and many responses. Some do lumpectomy and are totally great with it. Others go UMX, other BMX. It's what YOU feel is what you can live with in the future. Do consider reconstruction options wisely and seek out opinions from perhaps more than one plastic surgeon if you can. That is never a bad idea.

My thoughts are with you.

beach2beach

Amoran:

Hi, welcome but sorry you find yourself here. Mine is very similar to EastCoasts reply. I had small, dense breasts. Mammo did not show the cancer. Ultrasound did. Would have taken a sizable chunk out of boob and would have been left with doing implants on the other side to even them out then. My non-cancer boob had biopsies already done to it over the years so was missing some volume already. Biggest thing for me was I was already worried about the yearly mammo/sonos. If I had the lumpectomy I would have increased surveillance every 6mths. I felt I would be just waiting for it to happen again. Not to say the mastectomy is a guarantee, its not. I did a double and went with direct to implants. My BS was good, she didn't influence me either way. When i said I knew I wanted them both gone, she said she understood. Only thing she did advise me to do was to think about reconstruction.(at that moment when I found out, I didn't care) . Told me I was still young..and I should see the onco plastic surgeon and hear what he had to say.

You are younger, I'm 51,,at this point I honestly didn't care about having them both gone. Your young, that may be more important to you, Weigh all the options, the treatment plan etc. Talk it over with someone you trust and value their opinion, but in the end do what you feel is right for you.

KBeee

I also had very small breasts and knew if they were taking just the lump, they were pretty much taking the whole breast.

In most women, the overall survival rate is the same for lumpectomy and mastectomy. The only exception is in young women, where mastectomy had a survival advantage. I’ll try to dig out the study tonight.

Hoping they recommend genetic testing too. That may sway your decision.

I am sorry you find yourself here. This is a VERY supportive community. Ask any questions you have

Legomaster225

Similar story here as well. I'm small breasted with a larger tumor. lumpectomy would have required reconstruction anyway and some enhancement to the other side as well. I chose a BMX as my breasts are were very cystic making imaging harder to find things. I did not want to go through additional imaging every year. We ended up found cancer in my "clean" breasthat did not show up on mammo, us, or MRI. Glad I made the decision I did. I had skin/nipple sparing with pre-pec implants and they look good. Very similar to my real breasts except the nipples are slightly towards the outside. I don't think anyone other than me would even know that though.

Swg and Kbeee have a good point about the genetic testing. The results may influence your decision. While I can't say I jumped right into my BMX my first thought when I found out I had cancer was to just take the damn things off. I did have discussions and did research but I was pretty set on it from the start

EastcoastTS

I'll also add, since Lego's post reminded me, that I had nipple and skin sparing as well -- and mine look pretty good in my mind (I got small implants in the scheme of things but bigger than what I had originally). Nipples pointing slightly to the outside, too. This is common and if you think about the repositioning, I can see why this occurs. I was warned. I'm not sure anyone but me would notice either.

If I had been BRCA+, BMX would have been a no-brainer (for me).

exercise_guru

I had larger breasts but had something in both breasts so had to have a bmx. If I could have found a good surgeon and had nipple sparing it would have been a much easier decision. I think it is certainly worth finding a good plastic surgeon and having a conversation before you decide.

Providential

I did. I was actually planning a preventive mastectomy (because of a high risk and I am single and have to hold down a job and couldn't be going for MRIs every six months and wanted to avoid the drugs I wanted a definitive solution) and on a pre-op MRI that they did to make sure there weren't any surprises in there, we found that there was indeed one very tiny surprise. (That is why I have the screen name I have here) I had larger breasts too, and had been planning to have a reduction surgery at some point before all this came about, so the decision to remove them was easy for me. I had a skin-sparing mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction, 16 hours of surgery total; I don't have nipples, but I don't really need them (I never have to worry about being embarrassed on a cold day again!) and I recently had a weight gain and even though it seems crazy AFTER a mastectomy I just bought a stash of minimizer bras which I had hoped never to have to do again!

But because we did that, and the sentinel nodes were clear, I did not require radiation. My mother (diagnosed a few months before I was) had only a lumpectomy - clear margins, clear nodes - but did require radiation because she kept her breast tissue.

All in all, it's going to be a very personal decision for you. You are still young, there will be much to consider. I'd encourage a good heart-to-heart with your surgeon and just remember that whatever anyone else says about it, you do what is right for you. Please do keep us updated.

Blessings,

amoran

Thanks everyone. Hearing your thoughts and having your support means everything to me. Hoping to have an MRI tomorrow and I guess we go from there. Until then just on and off crying, french fries, kisses, and puzzles. You are all in my prayers tonight with a very grateful heart.

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

Hi there - I am so sorry you find yourself here, and I know the beginning is so hard...so sending support....I "jumped" to a double mx initially. The left side was never an option - the tumor was 6cm and the right side had a 3cm spot. I did want to do the watch and wait, which was the initial recommendation. (Right was biopsied as lobular abnormal cells.) I just said, "no only doing this once, so take both and reconstruct." Turned out to be the right thing to do- IDC was also in my right as part of the 3cm, but unfortunately not part of the tissue sample that was taken for biopsy so never found until final pathology after double mx. I had skin sparing but not nipple sparing. I finished reconstruction in Nov as far as implants. I just did my consult for nipples two days ago....it is a process. There are so many threads about mastectomy...so do a search when you are ready and read read read....so much good info and experiences to learn....continue to ask questions and just know we all get the beginning fears, anxiety, stress, etc....dont be afraid to reach out... peace

Lula73

I jumped right to BMX too. I already knew that was the right path for me and after all was said and done the docs ended up recommending it anyway. I did skin & nipple sparing with immediate DIEP flap (natural tissue) reconstruction. I went into surgery with warm soft breasts and came out of surgery with cancer free warm soft breasts filled with my own tissue and no implants or expanders. Very happy with the results. They look and feel like my breasts before having 2 kids. Hope this helps! Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Nursepatient35

Im so sorry you have to go through this and cry if you need to. The initial shock of even having to go through this just awful. I promise, over time and as you learn more, it gets a little easier. I had a small area of DCIS so I was a good candidate to get a lumpectomy which is what my primary care Dr initially thought that's all I needed. I chose to do a bilateral mastectomy though because A: that seemed easier than doing 6 weeks of radiation and 5 years of tamoxifen and B: it was just my gut feeling to do that for more peace of mind. My recurrence rates were the same with the lumpectomy with rads and meds vs bmx but I didn't really care. In the end, go with your gut and do whatever you feel will help you sleep at night. After my bmx, my pathology on my other breast was perfectly fine but I still don't regret my decision one bit.

mrsALG

I am stage IV with liver mets and have one chemo left. I will have another PET scan after that and then surgery. I met with surgeon and she wants to do unilateral mx (the left is the only one affected, for now) with no reconstruction right now because she wants me to start radiation asap. I was shocked because I had been planning on bilateral but she said the risk of complications is higher with bilateral than unilateral and if there are complications then that will put off radiation. Does this seem strange to anyone? My gut says to just take them both. I am pretty overweight and she said my weight makes the risk of complications higher. I'm not worried about being lopsided or even reconstruction right now because I know they could do that later but it just seems strange that she is so adamant about only doing unilateral. Maybe I'm crazy. Thanks for any input!!

ToughCookie101

This is a difficult choice. I was diagnosed at 33 with a “small” tumor (2cm) way over in the side (axilary tail) so perfect place for lumpectomy. I still opted for nipple sparing unilateral mastectomy off the bat. But I went back and forth regarding that decision. I have a tissue expander in now. As the others mention, everyone’s decision is personal and right for them.

Nursepatient35

mrsALG,

I'm so sorry to hear about all you have been going through. I pray your last chemo goes well. Have you considered talking to another surgeon? I know you're probably already established with one and know her by now but that does seem odd that she couldn't do a bilateral.

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msphil

hello sweetie sorry u have to join us here. But We re her for you I was planning my 2nd wedding when I found this lump in shower I wanted lumpectomy didn't want to go into new marriage with one breast But my Fiancee at the time and I decided to go for mastectomy cause I didn't want to worry bout go in back later. He said your life is more important than the breast I agree do am now a 23 this yr 24 yr Survivor Praise God I want to Inspire others to fight have your cry I did then Hope n Positive thinking I often would say'cancer u have to leave my body I went to sleep saying it.. God Bless Us All. Ms Phil idc stage2 0\3 nodes 3mo before and after surgery L mast 3mo chemo before and after surgery got married cause I was planning at time of diagnosis then 7wks rads and 5yrs Tamoxifen. God Bless Us All

Rrobin0200

BMX was my decision from the get go. I, too didn't want repeat mammos every 6 months with the accompanying worry.

palgupta

would like to know that u went any chemo sessions after your mastectomy my quesions is for nureses blog

star2017

Mrs. ALG

I was pregnant when diagnosed and my doctors also encouraged me to do just theunilateral mastectomy to avoid complications. If they are in a rush to move forward with your treatment, I think it makes sense.

I'm scheduled to have the other side removed now at the time of reconstruction.

IronMom3

The first question I asked when I was told that my biopsy was positive was if I could have a bilateral mastectomy. I did, with delayed reconstruction. I have not regretted my decision, and finally had my reconstruction last month after being flat for 16 months.

I wanted to do everything possible to ensure that I would only go through this once. There is no guarantee, but at least in my mind I know I did everything possible.

CindyNY

I chose LX with my dx. BS took my tumor info to a tumor board, they all agreed LX was good. Didn't get a clean edge, reexcision. At that time BS said if she had to take much more tissue I'd end up with a MX. I told her I was ok either way, use her discretion. Woke up, LX it was.

I'm 4.5 months post reexcision, after rads, breast is perkier than non rads breast, and basically has a divot at 12 o'clock that's only obvious if I'm "hanging" a certain way. Small breasts not hanging that much to begin with!

I'm glad I was able to avoid the longer recooperation of a MX, but could live with it had it needed to be done.

Do whatever feels best for you. You will get through this. HUGS!

msphil

hello sweetie I was diagnosed while making wedding plans for my 2nd marriage age 42 I didn't want to go into new marriage with one boob But I opted for mastectomy Fiancee said he d love me either choice I made. We got married between chemo n rads at 43yrs I'm now a 24yr Survivor this yr Praise God. Ms Phil idc stage2 0/3 nodes Lmast chemo rads n 5yrs on Tamoxifen.

FaithsMama

wow! That is amazing. Thank you for sharing

jenny550

The day that I got my diagnosis I told my doctor to take both boobs. I didn't want to mess around with a lumpectomy, nor did I want to go down this path again. My first surgeon tried talking me into it, but my mind was made up...and I went for a second opinion. I had a double mastectomy w/reconstruction on December 8th. My cancer was the size of a small orange but thankfully my lymph nodes were clear. I haven't regretted my desicion for even a second. In trying to keep things light, I brag to all of my friends that I don't have to wear a bra and that my breasts will still be riding high when I'm 80 ☺ and the best part is that since I have no nipples, no one can tell if I'm cold!

Wishing you luck and a speedy recovery!! Xoxo

bluepearl

I did. Don't regret it either. Given your age, I would have too.

msphil

hello dear I was planning Our 2nd Wedding when I found the lump thought lumpectomy going into new marriage But my husband agreed I went for L mastectomy it has been 24yrs this yr Survivor Praise God with Hope n Positive thinking.Ms Phil idc stage20/3 nodes Lmast chemo before n after surgery got married then rads 5 yrs on Tamoxifen.

Rrobin0200

BMX for me was a no brainer. I didn't want a LX and have to have the constant scanxiety every single time. The BMX wasn't difficult for me, but I know everyone is different. I had reconstruction the same day and I couldn't be happier.