Anybody here had just lumpectomy, no mastectomy?

I had a lumpectomy almost 7 years ago. No problems, no further surgery. Very happy with my choice.

Im here...And I just had lumpectomy and rads....over 3 yrs.NED....yay.

And im still on a lot of the threads...

I also know lots of sistas who are doing great who did not have a mastectomy.....

good luck

Grannydukes

Hi J,

I am an almost 8 year survivor and one of those that have hung around as well over the years.

I had a lumpectomy, radiation, chemo and the removal of my ovaries 5 years ago. I was also on Armidex for 5 years. My stats are shown below my post.

I was 41 at diagnosis and will be 50 in May next year.

I have not had a reoccurance, however, I am now doing a mascetomy with reconstruction due to now high risk immediate family history of bc. Two other sisters diagnosed in the past 3 years.

Many women have a lumpectomy and dont need further treatment. Some decide several years out to have a masectomy for reasons such as myself or a new cancer diagnosis in the same or opposite breast.

Michele

Hi Jianchi and such big hugs to you, hon! When I was first diagnosed, I just wanted to whack off my breasts and there are plenty of surgeons who would have done so. I was lucky to get a second opinion with a surgeon who educated me about the risks and benefits of mastectomy and when it was appropriate. I felt very happy that I didn't NEED a mastectomy and am happy with my decision to follow my surgeons recommendation for a lumpectomy. I am finishing radiation next week and have done great. And there are lots of ladies like me.

I wish you all the best.

MsP

I asked my surgeon if she could do a lumpectomy and was thrilled when she said "yes"! I was able to keep my breast and nothing further in that area other than radiation. I had a quick recovery too, taking a long walk the very next day. Of course, it took some time to really heal, but was basically just fine.

One thing to remember is that you can always remove more tissue if necessary, and reconstruction isn't always perfect. I was grateful to be spared that path. Good luck and hopefully, you will need less as opposed to more surgery. - Claire

just look at all the sistas who have been on here for quite some time.

We will always be here for you.

BCO is on call 24/7...

You can send a pm to anyone and im sure they will give you great advice OR rell you where to go.

When I cam on here in 2010 I was sooo scared...the 2010 sistas embraced me with all the info I needed.

Check around and you will see.

big hugggg

Grannydukes

I had a lumpectomy 9+ years ago. The mass was 2.7cm., with Ca in 5 lymph nodes, ER+, PR+, Her2+. So I had chemotherapy, radiation, Herceptin & 8+ years on Arimidex.

Both the breast surgeon & oncologist said the outcomes for lumpectomy+radiation vs. mastectomy would be the same. A lot of times, they don't do radiation with mastectomy (although I'm hearing a bit more of it lately). With having Ca cells in 5 lymph nodes, I'm glad I also had radiation to the entire area to zap all those pesky buggers!

I have been completely NED for more than 9 years -- no problems, no recurrences.

I elected for a lumpectomy (Sept 5, 2013). It is my understanding that survival rates are the same for lumpectomy and mastectomy. Although recurrence rates are higher for lumpectomy. I decided to take my chances because I did not want to go through reconstruction. I am triple negative, did my first round of chemo last 12 days ago. It wasn't too bad. 3 more to go then rads in January.

Hi

I asked my BS 'what would you do if it was your wife?'. It was a lumpectomy, and that's what I had. I've never regretted it. OK, the lump was bigger then they thought, but I still have a boob, a bit mangled, but at least I have something to put into my bra. No-one can tell.

I'm over 5 years out and doing really well.

x

When I asked my dr who was doin the rads IF I WAS UR MOTHER WHAT WOULD U TELL HER

his answer was

EVERYONE ASKS THE SAME QUESTION.. so here is the best part..he said .HOW DO U NO I LIKE MY MOTHER????we laughed and I did it.No only was he the best but he had non stop comments that cracked me up.When I couldnt wear a bra i wore a half slip..he called me MADONA..it just makes it so much easier when you like and have faith in the dr.

Good luck..dont forget to keep us posted

hugggs FireKracker

Hi Jianchi,

I was diagnosed in June, had a lumpectomy in July and have just about a week of radiation left to go now. After that it will be Tamoxifen for me. No chemo. I spent A LOT of time thinking about the lumpectomy vs. mastectomy decision, and even when I had my lumpectomy, was still keeping my option for more surgery later open. In the end, I stuck with a lumpectomy based on a lot of things, including the specifics of my cancer. You will know more details about yours as you move through the process and they will help you decide. Plus, time will also help you decide. I was sure I wanted a double mastectomy at the start, but as things calmed down I was able to think more clearly about my situation, and eventually, the right decision came to me. For many women, mastectomy is the right decision, so I don't mean to say that a lumpectomy is better, just that we each have to make our choice and I think you'll feel your way to the right one with time and information. I remember feeling like I would never figure it out, and then one day, I did and that was it. While I am far from being lucky enough to say what many of these other women have told you about being 5 or 7 or 9 years out, I am confident in my decision even now and have been since I made it. I think the most important thing is not to let fear guide you. Also remember: you can always, always have a lumpectomy and do more surgery later, but you cannot change a mastectomy. This was what the surgeon I ended up going with told me the first time I met her, as well as a breast cancer survivor I met shortly before I made my choice (who had had a double mastectomy). I think it was the best piece of advice I got, as it allowed more time for thinking things through in a less panicked way. It is very hard in the early days to keep track of information and your own feelings as you enter this strange new land, but be assured you'll get through it and feel right again.

My best to you.

It's kind of an odd question. Most people who have lumpectomies, like myself, don't go on to have mastectomies. Hope you are getting good medical advice.