Hi.Have just been diagnosed with stage 1 bilateral multifocal breast cancer.Saw surgeon today and have to decide whether to have partial mastectomy on one side (they suggested a full mastectomy would be best)and a lumpectomy on other side with later reconstrucción or double mastectomy. Have to go back in a week when I've decided.
Was told after biopsy I had 2 tumors on one side,now discover there are 3 and 1 on other side. Don't know what to decide for the best.
Hello jillseville
Welcome to our online community. Thank you for getting in touch with us. Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and don’t know what to do for the best.
Whilst this is a difficult decision, we cannot advise you which option to choose, but we can help you to try and make the best decision for yourself.
There are lots of tips included within the information, including suggestions such as writing things down, and perhaps to do a for and against list for each treatment option.
It is a very personal thing to have to make this decision, and you need to consider your own body image, and the impact of having either of those surgical options and how you think you might feel afterwards.
It might be helpful to ring and speak to your breast care nurse/CNS or consultant to ask if they can go through the options and the reasons for those different options. Here is some information on mastectomy, choosing breast conserving surgery and breast reconstruction.
What we also suggest is to consider what type of person you are? As in, would you rather have every possible opportunity of having everything removed? Or are you the type of person that would rather have what needs to be done, done?
Often it is helpful if you have family and friends to discuss this with, as they often know you as a person and how you would cope with either option, although ultimately this will be your decision it can often be helpful to have their views.
Sometimes it can be good to talk through what’s happening in person. If you think it would help you can call us free on 0808 808 0000. Our line is open every day 8am-8pm. You can also contact us by email or Webchat and we aim to reply to your email within two working days.
You can also visit our online community , often sharing experiences with others in similar situations can help.
Here are some online forums which might be useful cancer surgery forum and breast cancer forum.
Please do come back to us if there is anything further that we can help with.
Ref GMcR/HeP
Gina – Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.
