Breast Cancer Support Group

Hi Sue. I received chemo before my surgery. It shrank the tumor from 5 cm to about 2 cm. I could have gone the lumpectomy route, but instead opted for bilateral mastectomy (only one breast was affected, but I did not want to "wait" for the cancer to possibly appear in the other.) I started reconstruction at the same time - breast cancer surgeon up first, plastic surgeon followed. Then I underwent radiation to stop any rogue cells. The radiation really wasn't too bad at all.

I would talk with doctors, examine all the possibilities and go with what feels right for you. Best of luck and health!

Sue, my sister went the bi-lateral mastectomy route as well. Talk to your oncologist. The reconstruction that they can do these days is wonderful if you opt to have reconstruction.

Nova, was your cancer triple neg? Chemo before surgery seems to be the route for triple neg. I didn't know if that holds true for the hormone positive cancers.

Hi Sue,
I had one mastectomy but really wanted the bilateral....ex wasn't pleased. I have a new cancer in the "saved" breast and was told lumpectomy was an option. They took my 2nd breast last Monday and pathology showed they would have missed some areas that were cancerous if I would have gone the lumpectomy route so I am pleased. Every woman is different though and if you go to the American Cancer site I think there are studies saying mastectomy may not be any better than lumpectomy. For me, I wish I had taken them both the first go around 7 years ago. I prayer you get all the guidance you need for further decisions.

There is a lot to consider on mastectomy vs lumpectomy, but I wouldn't base a decision solely on concern about radiation. I was aable to work all through it, and walked a couple of miles on my treadmill most nights. I was stage 1 triple neg with lumpectomy, AC followed by 12 weekly Taxol, and then 36 rads.

Hio Sue. I was dx with triple negative stage II bc last year. The oncologist wanted to do pre-chemo to try and shrink the tumor so they would only have to do a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy.

I considered my options and all the information I had at hand and insisted on a mastectomy, which I had last year. I did not go so far as to get a bilateral mastectomy but that was because I tested negative for the BRCA1 or 2 mutated genes. Had I tested positive for one of those, I would have insisted on a bilateral mastectomy.

My tumor was removed with clear margins and I had no lymph node involvement. I had three rounds of chemo (out of the 6 they wanted to give me) but they did not offer radiation because my tumor was too small - it was 4 cm instead of th 8cm they originally calculated.

I have no regrets about insisting on the mastectomy over just the lumpectomy and am now happily in the middle of a delayed reconstruction.

For me, I just wanted all cancerous tissue removed and OUT. I wouldn't worry about the radiation - it's not as bad as some reports you might get. If they offer you chemo, it's survivable as well.

At the end of the day, you have to make the choice that YOU can live with since you are the one that will ive with the results of your choice. If your oncologist has not presented you with treatments as options, you really might want to look into a new oncologist, or discuss it with your primary care physician. Keep talking to every health care professional you see until you are satisfied that you have ALL the information relevant to your situation and feel that you can make an informed decision based on your options.

Best of luck to you!

- Diane

Hi Sue, I was dx with a very aggressive breast cancer and my surgeon said a lumpectomy would be fine. But I did alot of research online and decided on mastectomy. I didn't want to keep having mammograms every 6 months and wondering if it would recur.

Plus my tumor was 3.5 cm and I figured a lumpectomy would take a big chunk out of my breast so again...decided on mastectomy. The interesting thing about it was my breast surgeon kept pushing lumpectomy...but once I called him and said I have decided I wanted a mastectomy...he seemed relieved and said he believes I made the best choice...especially since I am "Her2/neu". Chances of recurrance is high for Her2's.

I also didn't like reading about all the woman that had lumpectomies and had to have 2 or 3 surgeries to get clean margins. My surgeon warned me of that when he thought I was going to have a lumpectomy. All of it was just to stressful...for me personally...I just wanted "it" gone! Meaning the cancer...not my breast...but I was just scared to death. (A year later I had my other one removed too since I am high risk of recurrance...and I'm very happy with my decisions.)

But this is a very personal decision as I'm sure you know. You have to do what's RIGHT for you. I wanted to know when I looked back that I did everything I could to make sure it didn't come back. All these decisions "aren't" easy to make. It can be so overwhelming. But don't let anyone talk you into anything...take some time and do what you know in your heart is right for you. Good luck...your on the right track by talking to others about this and thinking it all through.

Chelee

Hi ~ I had the lumpectomy and the margins were clean for me too. I opted for the radiation and really, it's no big deal!!! Granted, your days are taken up for 6 weeks, but it's over before you know it!! I really think you should KEEP your breast and go for the radiation. If your doctor is SURE that all the cancer is gone, and obviously it looks that way, then why take the breast?

I asked my doctor about a mastectomy too, and she said it would be absolutely UNNECESSARY and not recommended. She also said I'd go thru a lot more pain, what with the drainage tubes, etc. So I went with her recommendation. She said my odds of getting the cancer again in that breast were low.

But, whatever feels best for you is what you should do. I just hate to see you go thru alot of pain when you don't have to. God bless and the very best of luck! Hugs, Lee

Sue, I had two lumpectomys without clean margins, then mast. and immediate reconstruction (six years ago, age 40). My lymph nodes were clear, DCIS. My reconstruction is beautiful and I am very happy with the decision I made. Finished 5 years tamox w/out any problems.

What stage is your cancer?

I was just diagnosed with bc. My tumor is very small on biopsy 8.0mm. I am leaning toward mastectomy because I don't want to have the worry of the cancer re-accuring. I am taking my time and getting a couple of opinions before making a final decision.

Taking your time and getting all the information you can is a great plan! My co-worker had a tiny tumor as well and opted for lumpectomy over mastectomy; unfortunately, her sentinel lymph node dissection came back with scattered cancer cells so she is now having extensive chemo and radiation. Mastectomy wouldn't have changed her lymph nodes; however, for me, I would not want to conserve any breast tissue that might have cancer cells waiting to grow. That was my decision and I certainly respect others who choose to conserve the breast.

I guess my point is that a very small tumor does not necesarily imply a better/easier outcome. I would take any tumor very seriously which is why I always suggest people get all the information about their particular situation and make a decision that they are comfortable that they can live with the results - good, bad, or indifferent.

I know the answer for me but every woman has to come to THEIR best answer without outside pressures (as much as possible).

Good luck to you.

- Diane