I am alone trying to decide between radiation or mastectomy

Pattie:

Someone will likely ask you to go to the settings area and fill in your diagnosis details when you have them. It makes it easier for us to help. But no worries that you're picking up information as you can. It's a hell of a lot to learn quickly.

One question: do you have anyone who can assist during surgical recovery? I chose BMX (bilateral mastectomy) but had a small support system in place (hubby/mom) to help me. And I needed that for a few days. Not that you want to chose based on this, but it is a question to ask.

Also -- even if you chose mastectomy, unilateral or bi-, you could still have to have radiation. I did NOT and I'm not saying it's likely. But it is possible if you have lymph node involvement and/or they do not get clean borders with the mastectomy. My tumor was close to a muscle and this was a possibility. And you won't know that until after surgery when path. results come in.

Take a breath. You'll get LOTS of great advice and support here. I could not have survived this year without the people on BC.org.

HUGS to you.

While the tumor they removed was small, the purpose of radiation or mx is to prevent a local recurrance caused by any microscopic cancer cells left in the breast.

You are correct, both radiation and mx are scary, aggressive treatments. Is further treatment absolutely necessary? No one knows. Many need the additional treatment for peace of mind, to know "I did everything I could". Others are comfortable with the wait and see approach, reasoning that if the cancer returns they will deal with it then. That choice, however, does increase the risk of any leftover cancer cells multiplying and leaving the breast to grow in another organ, which would then be metastic breast cancer, which is not curable.

There are pros and cons to both types of treatment. Some people sail through radiation, others have problems with healing or other health issues that present years later caused by the radiation. Mx can be a simple surgery or more complex, depending upon if you do reconstruction and what type of recon you have. Again, some sail through while others have problems with healing.

My personal choice was to avoid radiation. The location of my tumor meant radiation was going to be close to my heart. I did a double mx with immediate DIEP recon (tummy tissue was used to make new breasts). I also had three revision surgeries to get the shape right and add areolas and nipples. I am very pleased with my decision. I no longer need routine mammograms. At the three year mark I had a breast MRI and all is clear.

The decisions are the hardest part. Keep reading, do your research and eventually the path that feels right for you will become clear. Good luck to you.

Hi Pattie,

I am so glad you found this group. I am 43 as well and was diagnosed with stage 1 on Feb. 20th. I had a hard time making a decision as well as I have two small children. I did decide to go with the lumpectomy and radiation. I am half way through radiation now and it is not bad at all. I'm still doing all my normal activities and my breast has no burning. I'm happy with my choice a second my cancer was not in my lymph nodes. I will have inn more surgery for implants after radiation. I'm also on Zoladex shots. Let me know if you have any other questions. Hugs.

Hi Pattie! I'm Pat. I'm 56. On June 2, '16, I had a single, right-side mastectomy with no reconstruction. This came after a December '15 diagnosis of IDC, grade 1, stage 1, ER/PR+/HER2-. I had a lumpectomy on Jan. 7. They also took and tested 4 lymph nodes. The nodes were clear, but the surgical margins were not. DCIS. I had a re-excision (went back in to try to get clean margins) on Jan. 14. No luck, still finding DCIS cells. So, I met with a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a plastic surgeon. I was offered the options of radiation with follow-up Arimidex for 5 years; radiation, no Arimidex; mastectomy with recon, Arimidex; mastectomy w/o recon, Arimidex; Arimidex alone; do nothing.

I chose the mx and Arimidex. I did have support at home - a hubby who was off for the summer (we're both educators) and could help out. I also have a wonderful network of friends who stepped in when needed.

My surgery was outpatient. In fact, I felt better after the mx than I did after the first lumpectomy with the node biopsy. I went in at 8:30 am for a 10:00 surgery and was home by 3 that afternoon ready to eat lunch. The next night I went to dinner and a car show with my family.

I went the next day for a follow-up with my surgeon. At that visit she took off the big bandages and wrap, declared me "looking excellent," rebandaged me, and sent me home with a bag full of supplies and a somewhat uncomfortable post-surgical bra. The hospital had arranged home health care who came out the second day after my surgery. She examined me, talked with my husband and me, and determined that I did not need her to come back. She did leave me her number in case I later decided that we needed some help. Though I didn't call her back, it was very comforting knowing that I had that resource.

As I healed, I got a post-surgical camisole and "fluff" breast forms. I still wear them from time to time as they're very comfortable. I got my silicone form and "real bra" 3 months after the surgery.

The most difficult aspect of all this for me was dealing with the drain - just uncomfortable and annoying - and having to wear that surgical bra. My BS is very conservative and takes no shortcuts. Ten days with the drain and 3 weeks in the bra.

I've since healed very well. It took me about 6 weeks to get my energy back. Had the luxury of being able to take naps when I needed. I took Rx pain meds about 5 days - mostly at night to help me sleep.

I have a "lovely" scar that I call my permanent Pink Ribbon. It's faded quite a bit over this year. I wear mx bras and a breast form - all of which my insurance covers. No one can tell that I have a "foob" (fake boob) unless I choose to go without it - which I do at the gym. I was an A cup to start with, so it's not super obvious. Besides, it's cooler and more comfortable that way. I have had only a couple of side effects with the Arimidex - occasional muscle spasms and some cognitive issues - what some call "Chemo Brain", what I call "CRS (Can't Remember Sh**) syndrome.

I chose this route because I wanted a "one and done" approach. I usually choose the least complicated approach if at all possible. I'm very happy and have never doubted that what I did was right for me and my family.

Your choice is a very personal one. Talk to lots of women who have been through this. I did and it was most helpful. Some doctors will have lists of women who have volunteered to meet with new patients. The American Cancer Society can also give you a list of volunteers in your area. Read information with a careful approach. Ask your health care providers for trusted websites. Personally, I chose this site, Mayo Clinic, and the American Cancer Society sites.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I'm happy to help in any way. And know that you are not alone in this. You have lots of ladies on this site who are with you in spirit and eager to answer any questions you have. I found their support invaluable.

Peace and keep breathing....................

I was absolutely horrified when my surgeon and tumor board recommended a mastectomy I thought I wanted a lumpectomy. In hindsight I am happy with mastectomy and no radiation. I didn't know how good the cosmetic surgery could be. Emotionally the mastectomy destroyed me I was 53 but the DIEP fixed it very nicely. I wish I knew the outcome would have saved alot of heartache. Also because I had the mastectomy I received good information from the very detailed pathology it gave me additional peace of mind.

hello,

I too just was diagnosed Oct 5th ILC, waiting on MRI, my options are lumpectomy, or mastectomy. Not sure which way I will. My surgeon said due to my BMI, plastics may not want to do re construction right away. Not sure if that means ever? So confused. I don't want flat chest , joined weight watchers to begin losing weight, but don't know if they will do reconstruction.