Good evening all. I was wondering if anyone on here, was told at first, they would need a lumpectomy, but went on to have a mastectomy?
If so, why and when?
Thanks in advance..
Hi biddygirl,
I was first told I would have a lumpectomy.Then I had to have a mastectomy. I have been having yearly mammograms because of family history. My last mammogram was at the end of April. All results came back OK, but when showering a few weeks later I found a lump around inside of armpits by the breast. When to hospital for a biospy and it came back cancerous. They then wanted another mammogram done and still nothing showed up. I am 49 years old and they said it was because of dense breast tissue. I was then sent for MRI scan and other small spots showed within the breast. I've had a mastectomy of the left breast and a lymphoma removal. The results from that showed 2 positive out of 17. I had to have a CT scan to check if it hadn't spread anywhere else which came back OK. I've now started a course of 8 treatments of chemo. 4 sessions of one type and there will be 4 of another. I had first treatment 10 days ago and got the next on Wednesday. First treatment gone really well I feel really good. I had abit of heartburn and constipation but spoke to GP and she has given me prescription which sorted that out. Oncologist I spoke to this week seems to think I should be the same for next lot of treatments but may get more tired. I don't have to have radiotherapy. What has happened to you, would like to know how your diagnosis changed also. Be positive. WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS.
Hi Buddy girl
Yes I have had a bilateral mastectomy it was my choice I had a tumor in both breasts and just couldn't copy with the worry that I may need more surgery so had both removed. I know it can still come back but less likely . I'm not having radiation but need to start Chemotherapy soon which is a bummer but has to be done to reduce reoccurance . Most of the time it's patient choice what surgery they have .
Hope this helps
Jayne X
Hi so you had a reoccurrance in your other breast. How long had it been since your original diagnosis. I had a theraputic mammoplasty but now having masectomy with immediate reconstruction. I am seriously considering the same on my other breast. What was your diagnosis pls. Best wishes xxx
Sorry no I had two tumors in both breasts .And had them removed at the same time. I'm not having reconstruction I don't want it. I would have found it more challenging to have had one breast removed , but I know that happens to many people every day . The Chemotherapy is to stop any reoccurance from happening . X
Jayne
Sorry I read yours as it was a reoccurrance and reading back I can see it wasnt but I had theraputic mammoplasty first, and they could get clear margins because an area of dcis so bow having masectomy with immediate reconstruction my lymph nodes was clear xxx
Thank you, I am seriously considering having the same surgery done to my other breast but would like to recover abit first. This will be my 2nd surgery in afew months so would like to recover first finish my treatment would like abit of normality back in my life, if we ever get that, I am seeing my plastic consultant later today so going to ask when she would consider doing masectomy and reconstruction to my other breast. Best wishes xxx
Hi Huntygirl. Thanks for your reply. It sounds as though you are dealing well with your situation. I have been told that I have a non invasive cancer, which is good news. The surgeon told me at my diagnosis, I would have radiotherapy after my surgery. Just wondering if this could change when the surgery happens. I was diagnosed on August 16th, but still don't have a date. The waiting is making me anxious and my mind is thinking allsorts. Wishing you well on your continuing journey.
Hi Rhiwbina. Thanks for your reply. I am currently waiting for a date for surgery for lumpectomy, following a routine mammogram. My cancer is high grade non invasive. I would rather have a mastectomy straight off, than having to worry about it coming back and more anxiety and surgery. I'm having radiotherapy afterwards, which I believe helps to stop it returning, but, I can't help but worry.
Thank you my lump was all removed in my first surgery, it was small no spread to lymph nodes but unfortunately my dcis was occult on mammogram, so masectomy with immediate reconstruction fingers crossed I wont need radiotherapy. Best wishes xxx
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007