Diagnosed today- lumpectomy or mastectomy????

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vr423
vr423 Member Posts: 29
edited December 2014 in Just Diagnosed

I was given biopsy results this morning, a malignant lump in my breast. No other info given regarding type, etc. I had blood work and ct scan today, and the scan looked good. They offered me two options: lumpectomy followed by radiation, or mastectomy. I have no clue what to do. If I choose mastectomy it can be done in my town on Monday and I would be home for Xmas. If I choose the lumpectomy I would have to be away from my family for up to 6 weeks because the radiation is only available in another town, over 1000 Kilometres away. Any advice

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited December 2014

    so sorry for your diagnosis and so close to the holidays. I chose mastectomy because i didn't want radiation but opinions will vary so keep checking. Either way, i wish you a smooth ride. Take care of yourself

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  • vr423
    vr423 Member Posts: 29
    edited December 2014

    Did you choose double mastectomy? If so, why?

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited December 2014

    Second opinion! Or at least a lot of answers as to the type of BC (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC), the expected Stage, ER/PR and HER2 status, the reasons for the proposed different TX plans and the pros and con's for both.

    You need a lot more answers to be able to make an educated decision.

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  • RV6gal
    RV6gal Member Posts: 331
    edited December 2014

    So sorry you have had this diagnosis as well. I too was offered the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy. I chose the mastectomy because of the location of the tumor. It was close to the nipple so it would have to go anyway. I thought it would be better aesthetically plus it would give me better odds at a clear margin. I was also hoping to avoid radiation but they found micromestastases in 2 lymph nodes so I will get radiation anyway. The decision is such a personal one. I was doubting my choice right up to the surgery but don't have any regrets about the decision now. Best wishes in your decision.

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  • vr423
    vr423 Member Posts: 29
    edited December 2014

    kicks, would the biopsy have that information though

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited December 2014

    The path. report should have a lot of info on it. Not the purposed TX plan(s).

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  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited December 2014

    My doctor told me that my 5 Yr survival rate would be the same whether I had a lumpectomy or mastectomy. I wanted to do the least invasive thing. Also, even with mastectomy, there is no guarantee that you won't have a recurrence. Your surgeon should be explaining the pros and cons of each choice with you.

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  • flaviarose
    flaviarose Member Posts: 442
    edited December 2014

    As RV6gal pointed out, having a mastectomy is no guarantee that you won't need radiation if you have positive nodes. It is unfortunate that the radiation facility is so far away, because even if that is a good choice it is so inconvenient. The good news is that if you choose to do the radiation, 6 weeks, in the grand scheme of things, passes quickly.

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  • kmpod
    kmpod Member Posts: 234
    edited December 2014

    Hi vr423,

    Welcome, though I'm sorry that you have to meet us under these circumstances.

    It was a tough decision to make for all of us. (in the event that we did have a choice). I opted for BMX, with one being prophylactic. I did not have reconstruction and have zero regrets about my choices.

    This is a link to another thread with very useful information in it. Especially look down to the June 13 post of Beesie - she is an amazing source of information. I think you will find her post particularly helpful.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topic/...

    Kicks is right. Having more information about your diagnosis will be helpful in arriving at the decision that is right for you. Do keep in mind, though, that your situation will be clearer post-surgically; and, with that information your plans may require modification.

    The amount of information that is thrown at us at the beginning of this process is overwhelming. You'll find these boards a great place to find support and a wonderful place to ask the questions that will inevitably arise.


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  • vr423
    vr423 Member Posts: 29
    edited December 2014

    thanks everyone, so glad I found this foru

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2014

    Hi vr2, I thought I would throw another option into the mix, for you to consider.

    I would agree that you need more information before you decide. I also live a fair distance from the nearest Radiotherapy facility and I have a husband who is a quadriplegic, so leaving him for the 6 weeks was not something I wanted to do. I also wanted to avoid rads if I possiblycould. I took the chance that I may be able to avoid rads and opted for a Unilateral Mastectomy. I couldn't in good conscience remove my other breast and I was also fortunate to find, I didn't require radiotherapy after the surgery. I haven't had any regrets about my decision.

    Take your time and weigh up your options and make sure you do what you feel is right. for you and your family, not what anyone else wants you to do. Take care and let us know how you get on.

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