lumpectomy vs. mastectomy for recurrence and new primary

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brendy
brendy Member Posts: 37
edited June 2014 in Second or Third Breast Cancer

I had a lumpectomy for DCIS and radiation six years ago.  Last year I was diagnosed a second time again with DCIS and a small area of Invasive ductal carcinoma. I had another lumpectomy and was planning on having  targeted radiation this time because I really want to save the breast.  The Doctors decided not to give the targeted radiation because the cancer was multifocal in two different spots and two additional small areas of infiltrating ductal  carcinoma from the pathology report.  Conventional treatment after lumpectomy and radiation and getting cancer a second time in the same breast is mastectomy.

Anyone elect to have lumpectomy for a breast cancer recurrence or new primary in the same breast? They say the recurrence rate without lumpectomy without radiation is from 30-50% and with mastectomy much lower down to 2-5%.  It is difficult now that I have this lumpectomy and supposedly no cancer to then go ahead with mastectomy at this time.

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  • flash
    flash Member Posts: 1,685
    edited February 2009

    Sorry to hear of your recurrence.  My understanding is that when it is multifocal it also comes back as better results with mast.

    Good luck.

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  • baywatcher
    baywatcher Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2009

    I am also very sorry for you. It sucks to lose your breast and you have a very hard decision to make. Only you can decide if the recurrence rate without a mastectomy is one you can live with. If you don't do the mast and the cancer comes back, will you catch it quick enough? Are you willing to take the chance? I think these are the questions you must ask yourself to help you make the decision. Good luck to you.

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  • brendy
    brendy Member Posts: 37
    edited February 2009

    Thank you both for your reply I have decided to do the mastectomy.  Thanks you so much.

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