Surgery-overhelmed with what to do.

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tangandchris
tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed

So, I have questions and I'm not sure that I'm getting what I need from my doctor as far as answers go. I'm 39, 3cm tumor in my right breast and 2 lymph nodes with cancer. I went in today for  PEM scan, hopefully the last diagnostic thing for awhile. My doctor asked me Monday if I had given anymore consideration to what type of surgery I am leaning to. I didn't know what to say, I asked her what she recommended, and she wouldn't come right out and give me an answer. I get the impression that she thinks I should do a double masectomy, she stated that being so young they need to treat this aggressively. Okay, so is that overboard? Also, I will still possibliy face radiation and chemo. I'm confused, does the chemo/radiation come no matter what? I think the radiation is because of the lymph node involvement.

 

I'm scared guys, the idea of a double masectomy is frightening. however, the idea of having to go thru this again is too. Does this actually really lower my chances of BC in my left breast if I remove it now?

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2013


    i was told i could avoid radiation with a double mx but not sure if that is the case for every type. Did they tell you whether you were hormone positive or negative or the type?


    So sorry you have to deal with this. It is so hard. My surgeon wouldn't influence my decision either.

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  • beacon800
    beacon800 Member Posts: 922
    edited October 2013


    This is scary stuff. I totally relate when you mention how the surgeon is slow to tell you what to do. Happened to me as well. Very hard for us to make these huge decisions when we are under so much stress and learning all of it for the first time.


    Double MX will reduce your risk of bc in the currently unaffected side. That is simple math: no breast = reduced risk. But that is not your key current issue. What is important is the survival rate for the cancer in your other breast and that is not affected by mx. In other words, if you are a candidate for breast conserving surgery, doing an MX will not statistically change your overall outcome. If you are proven BRCA positive, this does not apply. Then bilateral MX is pretty much standard.


    So it is very much up to you. It is also not a choice you need to make right away (unless brca + or some insurnance problems). You could treat the current cancer, take some thinking time and come back and remove the other breast if you feel that is best for you.

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited October 2013


    It's hormone positive and HER negative....it's good to know that its not just my surgeon. I suppose I can understand why they don't want to influence it. *sigh*

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  • Cindyfro
    Cindyfro Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2013


    I was diagnosed with lcis and dcis breast cancer. I cannot choose between a mastectomy and lumpectomy & radiation. What have most woman done? I am 56 and the dcis is small.

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited October 2013


    Have you thought of getting a second opinion? Also, what kind of reconstruction, if any, do you think you want to have? That may influence your decision. Meeting with a plastic surgeon who is experienced with breast recon surgery and can give you the pros and cons of each recon procedure and how it's affected by your decision about Uni-MX, BMX, or lumpectomy might help you decide as well.

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited October 2013


    I go with Nats, consider second opinion, it is not something you want to make without all the info.


    Also, if you really want to stay with the doc, then ask for time to discuss as hey, you need more to make a decision!


    no go do something to relax as no more to be done tonight, maybe do some trick or treat to take you mind off of this all?

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited October 2013


    tangandchris, I agree, get a second opinion.


    And to your comment/question:


    "Also, I will still possibliy face radiation and chemo. I'm confused, does the chemo/radiation come no matter what? I think the radiation is because of the lymph node involvement."


    The answer for chemo is easy. It's "YES". If it's judged that chemo would be beneficial for you, then you will need chemo whether you have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.


    The answer for rads is more complicated. After a lumpectomy, most women require rads. Sometimes women who have a mastectomy can avoid rads, but it all depends on the pathology and the location of the cancer. If the cancer is right up near the chest wall, then often rads will be recommended even after a MX. And if the size of the cancer is large and there is nodal involvement, then here again often rads will be recommended even after a MX. With a 3cm tumor and 2 positive nodes, I'm guessing that rads would be suggested whether you have a lumpectomy or mastectomy, but this is something that you need to discuss and clarify with your oncologist.


    Cindyfro, since you have DCIS, this discussion thread in the DCIS Forum on this board might be helpful to you: lumpectomy vs mastectomy - why did you choose your route?

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