Planed Lumpectomy but now Mastectomy- Thoughts

Jimiwithani
Jimiwithani Member Posts: 35
edited August 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I’m still waiting on FISH HER2 results. The plan was if negative lumpectomy, hormone therapy and radiation. If positive port catheter, chemo, hormone therapy, surgery and radiation.

This weekend I found a new pea-size lump in my nipple area. Saw surgeon today and he said he was pretty sure this was part of the cancer area (in addition to tumor MRI showed a large region leading to nipple as enhanced). Surgeon said that he would be taking 1/3 to 1/2 my breast plus my nipple area. I have DD Size breasts but that still a lot of breasT. I’ve not decided to go with a bilateral mastectomy instead of lump

Note. The first few visits my surgeon was talking a lot about breast conservative when I told him I thought I wanted to go ahead with mastectomy he said that’s a good choice. I emailed my onocologist to get her input but I’m guess the surgeon decides how much to take. My husband is worried I’m mov8ng to fast. I’m confused and would rather do the lumpectomy but if he taking that much I at least want the good percentages and increase my odds with it

All thoughts are appreciated in advance. I see surgeon again this Thursday.


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Comments

  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited July 2018

    1/3-1/2 is a large amount. I opted for BMX with immediate DIEP flap recon (good for bigger breasted women as implants are only so large). Had it done at NOLA. No regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat.

    www.breastcenter.com


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  • rachelcarter35
    rachelcarter35 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2018

    From diagnosis to surgery my plans changed two or three times as more information came in. It's incredibly unsettling but I think changing surgery plans is common. I wish I'd been warned of this aspect so it wasn't so traumatic each time. I had an MRI after first biopsy where they found more cancer in the initial breast and also cancer in the second breast. I went from initially planning a lumpectomy to eventually a double mastectomy. It's such a rush from diagnosis to first treatment and often we don't even know the questions to ask. I postponed my surgery twice to get all the tests in and a second opinion. I had to push back a bit to get these postponements. I am 8 weeks out from my double mastectomy with prepectoral TE's in. Although it was by no means easy at this point I have full range of motion and am completely pain free. I'd be ready for my implant exchange now if it weren't for 12 weeks of pesky chemo. Looking back on it I worried about lots of details that never came to fruition. You'll get through this; lumpectomy or mastectomy.

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited July 2018

    take the time now to learn as much as you can about your cancer and treatment options. Treatment includes surgery. Mine went from lumpectomy to mastectomy when more cancer was found in a second quadrant of my breast. I was able to have nipple sparing surgery but my surgeon was not 100% confident he could leave it going into the mastectomy due to margins. I was two months from diagnosis to first surgery.

    There are options for almost any diagnosis you could have. Much of YOUR decision will be influenced by your desired outcomes. I could not justify removing the healthy breast; many others choose to do so. You need to decide for yourself.

    Take the time you need to feel at peace with your decisions



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  • Jimiwithani
    Jimiwithani Member Posts: 35
    edited July 2018

    I heard back from my oncologist to and she shared she had spoke in detail with my surgeon. She thinks at this point a mastectomy is the best course but it is up to me if I go bilateral. I’m not sure but I’m leaning bilateral. Either way I’m afraid of complications of surgery. Is any part of having cancer not stressful. I’m told once things get started it less mental and more physical. Any input on any of this is appreciated

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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited July 2018

    I was small breasted and having to take a chunk out of mine would have really left me looking lopsided. I decided on a dbl mx and went with implants(couldn't do a diep). Think its all stressful and how you deal with it. I chose a double and I don't regret it. Whether you choose a single or double. You have to be good with your decision. Surgery for me wasn't bad and neither was recovery. Mental for me I think was the hardest

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  • Jimiwithani
    Jimiwithani Member Posts: 35
    edited July 2018

    thanks for the replies. I won’t be having surgery for a while. I start chemo next week. I’m HER2- in my breast but I’m HER2+ in my lymph nodes.

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  • ReadyAbout
    ReadyAbout Member Posts: 211
    edited July 2018

    I had a lumpectomy, then learned a month later that I wasn't a good candidate for radiation, so I opted for bmx and prepectoral reconstruction. My PS advised that I do bilateral since my breasts had quite a bit of droop (thank, kids!) and it would have been too hard to match the foob with the remaining breast. Also, both the BS and the PS mentioned my relatively young age (49) as a reason to perhaps consider bilateral mastectomy.

    I had many complications after surgery, some minor, one major, and yet I would STILL do it all over again. I think if I had left the healthy breast on, I would be waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am a very healthy person with a track record of rare health issues, so I didn't trust the healthy breast to behave. Good luck with your decision and outcome!

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  • Dhanno
    Dhanno Member Posts: 104
    edited July 2018

    Hi ReadyAbout love your brave attitude .

    beach2beach you are correct the mental part is the toughest .

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  • Jimiwithani
    Jimiwithani Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2018

    UpdatrGot my HER2 results. Breast is negative. Lymph nodes positive. Started chemo on August 2. 6 rounds of 4 drugs and then 6 rounds of two. In between I’ll have surgery and radiation.

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