Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy for IBC Patients

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pstanislaus
pstanislaus Member Posts: 15
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Hi Everyone,

My mom who is 66 years old was diagnosed with IBC in the right breast around May of this year.  She has just completed her 8 cycles of chemotherapy 4AC + 4 T.  We are now looking at surgery.

The chemo did a great job on my mothers breast we can see visible improvement in her breast mass and the affected skin area. My question to you is as an IBC patient should my Mom go with a Mastectomy or should she go for a Lumpectomy.

Since IBC is known to be a very aggressive form of BC, I'd feel more comfortable if my Mom has a Mastectomy, but I'd like to know what other IBC patients did and would recommend. Also If my Mom has a Mastectomy will she also still have to go through radiation therapy?  

Thanks for your Help

Patricia

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  • erika-canada
    erika-canada Member Posts: 142
    edited October 2007

    Hi Patricia:

    I had IBC, finished radiation Aug 17th. I had a mastectomy, small lump in breast but big one in armpit (5 cm). I did well on chemo, just like your mom, did she get the dense dose every 3 weeks? The Taxotere was extremely difficult for me. I knew there was lymph involvement and I wanted to take every precaution I could. They got clear margins and 3 positive nodes.  

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2008

    Its my understanding that a mastectomy is the only option for Inflammatory as the cancer involves the skin of the breast and is not a single 'lump' like the other types.  I would have to question any doctor that would suggest a lumpectomy for this diagnosis.  Yes, radiation is also necessary to destroy any cancer cells that may still have survived the chemo.  My radiation involved the use of a 'bolus' to concentrate the radiation on the skin area of the fields that were radiated.

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited October 2007

    It is my understanding also is that MRM is the only option for IBCers followed by maybe more chemo then radiation..

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  • mrs_X_Sunneedazee
    mrs_X_Sunneedazee Member Posts: 541
    edited October 2007

    I haven't had surgery yet.  I have done 15 doses of chemo.  I almost get a break for surgery!  My dr told me that a mastectomy was the only option because IBC isn't confined to a tumor area, and it is in the skin and tissue.  I guess it could be different for others, but it sounds like your mom did have skin involvement.  Best of luck to you and your family!

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited October 2007

    I was given two option either a lumpectomy or mastectomy my surgeon gave me the pros and cons of each.  I decided to go with the complete mastectomy.

    Laura

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2008

    This cancer involves the breast skin.  How do you do a lumpectomy for that???

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