Surgery soon... lumpectomy or dbl mastectomy?

Hi Oya! Welcome to the Community. We know nobody wants to join this club, but we hope that you will find support and information to help you along the way, so we're glad that you reached out!

We wanted to to recommend you the following article from our main site that may help you make the best decision along with your medical team and suggestions from other members here: Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy

We hope this helps. Please let us know how it goes next week. We're thinking of you!

The Mods

Hi Oya,

I began wanting BMX after being told I needed MX, and eventually, after getting a second opinion at Dana Farber came around 180. They said they could do Lx even though I had multi focal and ADH. It was fussy! Wire localizations etc, but I have not regretted my choice. I felt I could always get an Mx later if needed.

I wanted to do the minimum. Good luck with your decisions and don’t look back

I went into my surgical appointment thinking I'd be getting a mastectomy (half to treat, half preventative) and came out feeling much better about the lumpectomy route. The long term outcomes are equally good statistically (at least for my particular configuration of cancer).

I'm 39, single, no kids. I'm sure that affected things.

The healing on my breast has been very easy, but the healing from the sentinel lymph node biopsy has been a pain in the ass. I was able to go back to work after a week, so not terrible, just uncomfortable.

One thing I'm thinking about is that I can always get a mastectomy later. My impression is also that it can sometimes be easier to do the mastectomy and reconstruction together when it's not at the same time as other cancer treatments (radiation, chemo). But I haven't asked a doctor about that, and need to. That's based on the experience of a friend who had stage 3, double mastectomy, and was told to wait until she fully recovered from side effects of other treatment before reconstruction.

I had a lumpectomy and radiation, then double mastectomy 6 years later. I wish I had gone that route the first time as the radiation has caused issues in reconstruction....despite that, I downsized from dd's (my choice) and am so glad I did! Good luck!

Hello Oya80!

As you know, every situation is different. Your choice needs to be based on what's important for you.

In my case, I opted for a double mastectomy. Even though, it was my left side that has the cancer, I decided for my right to be prophylactically removed just because I have a benign biopsy result years before my diagnosis. My husband would have had me do the lumpectomy with radiation. His reasoning was that mastectomy is a major surgery, more risk/complications, longer recovery and that if there's nothing "wrong" with my right side why removed it.

The ANXIETY was the most propelling factor for me. Every time I would encounter some issues about my surgery/recovery (I went home with 4 drains), I would always go back to that time when I was first diagnosed and on the "waiting phase" and almost like having a panic attack. Those thoughts always gives me peace about my double mastectomy decision.

Whatever your decision is you will encounter some challenges. This thing is laid down on our path for a reason, don't let it weighed you down. Keep enjoying life.

God Bless You!

I am a TN and I am battling with the decision as well. I am to get chemo before surgery. No mention of radiation as there is no lymph activity. I guess it will give me more time to think as the tumor hopefully shrinks. I am leaning towards a dbl Mastectomy whether my genetic results are positive or negative. I just dont want any reoccurance or additional surgeries outside of reconstructed boobs. My husband wants me to do what's best but he feels MX is a last resort. He's obsessed with nipples/areolas as most men but they are not that important to me as a woman when it comes to preventative choices. I am curious as to other people's choices in my situation being a TN Grade 3.

so glad your nodes are clear and that you’re overall feeling good with how everything went. I hope you’re able to take it easy, especially with the baby. I can relate!

Oya80 - Glad to hear you are doing well and on the other side of surgery! I'm a bit surprised they let you go home same day as well. I actually pushed for that but my surgery was later in the day so not an option. I think you'll be surprised by how fast the body recovers. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

It seems too fast...no time to observe for any complications etc. I was in for 5 days I think..skin saving but no reco at that time. I had double complete axilla removal as well though...maybe that was why and I had assumed it was bmx....

Whichever way you look at it..seems to me that doing this as an outpatient op. totally dismisses the mental, emotional and physical effects of losing both breasts. It seems undignified and callous if not plain bad practice. (Just my take)

I wonder if this varies across U.S states. And Canada? Is that different?

Anyway...how are you doing today Oya. Do you have drains? Please take it very easy. Sending love and a gentle cyber hug.

mmm.

Yes...I guess...however a couple of nights in hospital followed by nurse visits to check drains etc would be minimum good practice. (If I ruled the land.)

@Notverybrav - The PS stated I may be a candidate for Nipple Sparing. yes

@NotVeryBrav - any complications with that?

No complications with the initial surgery. Healing went well. I did have an infection five weeks post op that required hospitalization for three days with IV antibiotics.

I have not pursued any additional surgeries like fat grafting. Things look pretty good and I'm just not willing to spend the time and money and effort to do more any time soon.