Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy?

Chloe, I saw your post in the other thread and thought a new one on this topic may help you. 

Being as informed as possible is the best way to go in this scenario, as it is not an easy choice for many.

You asked how the decision is made and why some wish they had done a mast instead of a lump.  Take caution to not act on emotion, but on facts and what is right for YOU. 

Some people are not offered a choice, based on the kind of cancer, location, extent, etc.  Regardless of whether they offer you a choice, I would highly recommend a second opinion...to either offer more options or cement the deal.

Factors are many. Some people cannot do radiation tx due to distance from the hospital so they choose a mast. Some people want to be as aggressive as possible. Others just "want it off". Others have high risk of other cancers or are at high risk for recurrance and choose to have a mast and a prophylactic mast on the other side to keep chances for recurrance as low as possible.

Keep in mind a mastectomy is permanent. You cannot reverse it, but you can always get a mastectomy at a later date if desired.

Many of us find that life after cancer, trying to regroup and get a new normal, is not so easy....and people want to take control as much as possible, and have the mast or bilateral mast later.

In my case, I was just barely 31, and could not even imagine getting a mastectomy. Several docs concurred that I had "equal chances for survival" with a lumpectomy, so I opted that route. A mastectomy would probably protect me better from a recurrance later...when I presented this to my doctors a year or so after treatment, they suggested it was "overkill" and cautioned me about making a decision based on fear.

Everyone has valid reasons for their choices. The key is that we do have choices in this process. Take time to get the facts and make your best choice....

Hugs,

Lori

Lori gives good advice. I will add my 2 cents, although it probably isn't worth that much. I didn't have a choice...too many factors going against me.

But if you are considering a lumpectomy, you should know that you may not have a "normal-looking" breast left, either. Surgeons like to get a sizeable clean margin, which means taking out quite a bit of breast tissue. What you're left with depends on how much you had to begin with, and how much they have to remove. You can often have the remaining breast reduced to more closely match the lumpectomy breast.

Also, I know several young women who opted for mastectomy over lumpectomy, only to find that there was additional cancer in the breast that had not been detected yet. They would have been looking at a mastectomy down the road. A mastectomy is not a "cure" for cancer either. I have a friend who had a mastectomy, reconstruction...and then had a recurrence on the chest wall.

On a brighter note, I've been around a good many years since my surgery...11 and still counting, and I can count a long way! So I wish you well in your decision...and know that we don't survive this fight without battle scars, but we can survive. When I look back on what really worried me then, that is the important thing to know.

Hugs...
BEV

Thank you everybody, I will go into todays surgeons appointment that much more informed.  I did pickup Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book and have been busy reading that ovr the last couple of days.  I have a knot in my stomache, a pounding headache and I am week at the knees but I will walk in there today and face whatever I have to face with my best foot forward and a smile on my face..  I will keep you posted.

Chloe-
(((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))

For me, the week between diagnosis and finding out next steps was the worst in my life. I cried all the time and read what I could when I was not crying. When I walked out of the surgeon's office that day, I was strong and empowered, I had a plan...I needed to make several appointments, for consults, scans, etc...and having that plan and a next step was tremendously empowering to me. Hopefully it will be for you as well.

Hang in there-
Lori

Chloe: Wow! You have had some day. I am so proud of your attitude and your "take charge" action!!!! I am glad that your surgeon was someone that you have faith in. That is soooooooo important. Yes, you have a long road ahead but just look at what is already behind you. Look how far you have come and you have survived. Your attitude is wonderful. Just keep that and you will do fine. Laughter is a great healer and will really help you during this journey.

I think Friday 13th is lucky also. I found my lump on Good Friday, which was the 13th. My surgery was on the 13th. My chemo began on the 13th and I finished w/ all treatments on the 13th (12 mos later). So keep believing in that magic number.

We will all be w/ you next week. I am sure that we can get the gals aboard our private plane and you will be surrounded by pink feathers.

Keep coming here. Remember, there is always someone around day and night.

Hugs..Deb

Chloe,

 

I am so glad you like your surgeon.  Mine was very matter-of-fact.  Good, though.  I think you've made the right decision to have a mast.  Mine was actually easier than the lumpectomy. 

 

I love your attitude and that makes ALL the difference in the world.  Sure, you will have bad days, but as long as you keep a positive attitude, you will do great.  My onc said the exact same thing to me. 

 

I will be onboard the PCE for you next week and watch out for all the pink feathers.  We'll try to not get them in the way of the surgeon!   LOL