Mastectomy vs Lumpectomy

Hi Newbee,  These are such difficult decisions.   I encourage you to go with the option that feels comfortable amd right for you.  I will share may radiation experiences, others probably will come along and let you know how radiation went for them.

My surgeon/oncologist did not offer mastectomy.  I did a lumpectomy, 6.5 weeks of radiation and then Arimidex for 5 years (about 4.5 years done).  I was pretty frightened about radiation.  As it turned out it was doable.  I was able to work every day; I did rest in the evenings. I kept thinking I will take time off when I am feeling tired or poorly, but I never really did.   I wore loose fitting clothes and used a lot of the recommended skin cream and my treated skin held up.  Going every day was a pain, although I was usually in and out in 15 minutes or less.  Sending hugs. Maureen

I am also ILC. MX wasnt even an option given to me. BS said rads and tamoxifen. Said a MX was drastic and unnecesary. Still waiting on node info but if all good then their plan is rads and hormone therapy. I have my doubts but right now I think it might be best, it may NEVER come back. My fear is if it does I will have done damage with the rads and have a more difficult time with reconstruction. I dont think there is a perfect choice but I do understand from so many here once that choice is made that only we can make stand by it and dont look back. I will be interested to hear what you decide. All my best to you..

my mom had ILC many years ago; had lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen. She's now a survivor of over 25 years without any recurrence.

anne