31, Just Diagnosed, Mastectomy or Lumpectomy

I am (was) 32 when I was diagnosed with IDC 1.3 and I took a lot of things into account.  My breast tissue was really dense and without me feeling the tumor I would have been sent on my way from the mammogram thinking nothing was wrong (same with MRI).  It was found with a sonogram but I found that I couldn't handle things mentally.  I opted for a double with reconstruction started TE at the time of my surgery.  I will tell you it hasn't been a walk in the park (I have TE pain) but it was the best option for me. 

I was a B cup before my surgery and I have no idea where I am at now  

Hi you are definitely not alone. I am 33 years old and I found out last thursday that I have breast cancer. I have invasive ductal carcinoma grade 1 and ductal carcinoma in situ. I just took the test to see if I carry the breast cancer gene and I am awaitibg results. My surgeon has offeredme to have a mastectomy or a lumpectomy. My decision will be based upon my gene resilts. I wanted to have a masectomy at first but I did alot of research and I figured that the surviival rate are the same. I am hoping I could just have the lumpectomy and chemo with radiation. My surgeon said they are going treat me aggressively. I am scared and nervous but I have learned one thing and that is to stay positive. I can't make a decision for you but you should do your research. I am also going to have my sentinel nodes checked while I am in surgery. I just can't believe I am living this and I will never be the same. I am praying for everyone and praying that we can all be strong. best wishes....alison   god bless you.....

Our cases are different but here was my path: I was diagnosed at 30 with 2+cm IDC and based on the microcalcisfications all over, my onc and I decided a double masectomy would be best. Since I will probably be alive for another 50years I wanted to know that I did everything possible and I had bcups so the lumpendectomy wasnt an option Have you talked to a plastic surgeon yet, they should have a book with photos of outcomes to see what is possible with a removal of your size. Stay well and hopefull.

I opted for double mastectomy for a few reasons.  I had IDC stage 1a 2mm focus node neg, er+ Her2-.  I also had dense breast tissue with bilateral calcifications.  If I chose a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, I would have had to have MRI's with my mammograms probably every six months.  If there was an increase in calcifications, it would warrant another biopsy.  The continuous stress level would have did me in.  I had the mastectomies with reconstruction.  I didn't have radiation or chemo but I do take Tamoxifen.  It just wasn't worth for me to live my life in fear.  If you choose mastectomy, make sure you get a plastic surgeon that specializes in breasts.  The scars are on the lateral side, so I am able to wear a V-neck. I was a 34B before and I am a perky 34B now. The nipples and areola were done by using a star flap with tatooing.  They look pretty close to the originals. I was fortunate with my reconstruction, my breast surgeon as well as my plastic surgeon were excellent.  Good Luck with whatever you choose.

It was one year ago April 14th that I had my mastectomy.  I will be 52 in a couple of weeks.  My 51st birthday gift was the pathology report.  I had three tumors in my right breast only one of them I could feel- it wasn't there in February but there in March.  I am a big girl with 46DD breasts so currently I am quite lopsided.  My mother was a 34 year breast cancer survivor and both my parents have each had two types of cancer each plus a number of other blood relatives have had and or died from various forms of cancer.  My cancer was stage 2 grade 3, hormone negative and HER-2 positive. I didn't have cancer in the lymph nodes but between the lymph nodes which I was told is somewhat rare. I also had some heavy duty chemo. I feel I didn't have a choice between lumpectomy or mastectomy because of the number of tumors and family history.  It is important to have confidence in your surgeon and support team.  My husband was an important part of the mastectomy decision because he wanted me breast or no breast- we have even made the decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy for my other breast.  Having the mastectomy helps me feel I am doing everything I can to live a much longer life.  I look back over the past year and still sometimes cannot believe what I have been through. This is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make but it is your decision and you have to feel comfortable with it.  It is a life decision.  If your local cancer centre or hospital has supportive services maybe reach out to them and they should be able to put you in contact with some local persons to talk face to face with about their decisions and how they coped with the days after either type of surgery. Good luck you are not alone!

I had a mastectomy in January (12 days before my 41st birthday) of my left breast and I wasn't given a choice as the tumor was 5cm.  At the time when I was told that I would need the mastectomy, I opted for a double but was told I would have to wait 6 weeks to book the time in the OR!  So, I went ahead and had my left breast removed and will have the right one removed when I'm given the o.k.   Even though my BS told me that the possibility of it going in the right side is 1% that is not the chance that I am willing to take.  I have very dense breasts and didn't show on a mammogram.  Going down this road once is enough for me.  I'm going to do what I can to prevent a recurrence.  My husband is very supportive of me and understands where I'm coming from.  I have also opted not to have recon. 

This is a very big decision to make and one that you will have to be comfortable with. 

Good Luck to you.

Wow, a double mastectomy. I had unilateral two weeks ago and this has been the hardest thing I have been through. The tightness and pressure on my chest is crazy. I am trying the exercises but they are tortureous. How soon did you do reconstruction?? Any tips??? Thanks, Mary