Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy? Just diagnosed with IDC and ADH

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Kav327
Kav327 Member Posts: 6
edited November 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy?

Just diagnosed with IDC, 1 cm tumor, Grade 2, ER+ PR+ HER2-, Ultra sound shows no spreading to lymph nodes. Along with the tumor they found a separate area with ADH associated with calcifications several cm away from the tumor. I am trying to decide if I should have a lumpectomy to remove just the tumor, surrounding tissue and the area of calcification that they can see. Along with 6 weeks of radiation. Or the other option is to have a mastectomy with reconstructive surgery which would remove the tumor and all the ADH calcification areas with no radiation.

Does anyone have any experience dealing with ADH calcifications? They said there was no cancer found in the calcification biopsies but that the cells looked like they were organizing differently which is signs of pre-cancer.

I'm 49 years old and would like to make a decision based on quality of life and not worrying all the time about the cancer recurring. Unfortunately, I'm the type that worries about every little ache and pain being something major. Ironic that my BC was caught on a annual 3D mammogram.

Would love the opinions of other IDC BC survivors!

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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited November 2016

    I was diagnosed with a 5cm area of ADH in the left breast in April of this year. I have several risk factors as well as a strong family history. Including this diagnosis, I've had 4 biopsies since 2012. I was so tired of the anxiety about my breasts. They were holding me hostage. I didn't want to take tamoxifen or do radiation. Even if I did, and all went well, I would have to begin the entire process again in a year and start scanning again. It would never end. I chose a BMX w/ reconstruction. I completed the implant phase last month. I am 100% at peace with my decision.mi wish I could have done it sooner. I am 56.

    That was just with ADH. I've seen so many women with recurrences of breast cancer that is more aggressive the second time around. Your breast cancer risk score, family history, and BRCA Status should also be considered.

    I just didn't want to regret not doing everything I could possibly do when I had the chance.

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  • Kav327
    Kav327 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2016

    Thank you Specter55 for your response. I think I have decided to have the mastectomy for my cancer/ADH breast (Right) but am torn if I should also remove the healthy breast. I too, do not want to worry all the time about cancer returning in the left breast. I had a genetic testing done yesterday since my dad was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer at age 47 and my 1st cousin has advance stage ovarian cancer. The ADH risk factor scares me so that is why I decided on a mastectomy for my right breast.

    How did your surgery go? Was the expander process painful? Are you happy with the silicone implants?


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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited November 2016

    removing the affected breast will not decrease your risk factors. The mere presence of the unaffected breast means your breast cancer risk still exists. I chose a bilateral mastectomy because there is no way the plastic surgeon could reconstruct the new breast to match the old one. I wouldn't want him to anyway. In addition to getting two well constructed breasts for the first time in my life, I was getting off the Mammogram/MRI/biopsy merry-go-round. I am happy to not have to do them anymore.

    My new girls are not without flaws. I'm concerned about capsular contracture. I will also need some fat grafting to smooth out some cosmetic imperfections. I won't lie, the first 4 weeks after the mastectomy were the most difficult. The tissue expanders were not fun. They actually felt better once they were filled. The drains were the worst. They just nag. After they come out (about 3 weeks),you can shower. I hope I'm not scaring you. Like I said, I am 100%satisfied with my decision and I would do it again. The silicone implants are soft and feel close to natural.

    Only you know what's best for you. My fears were consuming me. My mom died of Breast cancer and my oldest sister is a survivor. Then, just days after my implant surgery, my other sister was diagnosed with DCIS. I felt like the traveler who missed his fight and the plane crashed. I am BRCA negative, but the family history is too strong. Make sure you don't have any regrets about your decision. Good luck

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