Cant decide what to do

Sorry to hear your news. I had 2 areas removed (lumpectomies) 6years ago from my right side as I had the same choice as you. Last year I had another small area, but this time it was  invasive cancer and I had no choice but to have a mastectomy. 

If I had known this was going to happen I probably would have had a mastectomy the first time. 

I know it is so worrying deciding what to do but having a mastectomy is no where near as bad as what I expected.

I have just had a mammogram 10 months after my operation, obviously on the other side and I have had the all clear. 

I did not have reconstruction and have just accepted that although I am.lopsided, I am cancer free.

Wishing you all the best in your journey. 

Regards

Booby J

Hi , thankyou for replying , thats wat i was thinking go through all of that surgery then radiotherapy then it comes back, i will opt for reconstruction though because im quite big busted n would look quite odd without , thats made me lean even further towatds the masectomy now youve told me your story, thankyou for taking the time to talk to me xx

Hi. I had a lumpectomy and they did a fantastic job that I don’t need any reconstructive surgery. One boob is smaller than the other but looks ok and looks fine in a bra. Just for you to consider. Good luck with the choice you make. I’m sure it will be the right one for you 

I am big busted too. 38f, does look a bit odd but used to it now. My prosthesis is brilliant (very heavy, about 2lb) but looks so natural in my mastectomy bra. I had op on 7/4 last year at the peak of covid the first time and got first class treatment. Had my own room, only 4 beds out of 24 were being used. Got over my op quick too, make sure you do the exercises they set you, really helps. The pain was minimal, felt a bit like sunburn under my arm, bit numb still but no pain. Hope all goes well with whatever you choose.

BoobyJ

Thankyou again you have been really helpful, im only 51 and hopefully have lots more years to enjoy and i dont want to be looking over my shoulder if you know wat i mean , im glad that your latest mammogram is normal and your slowly getting back to good health , i wish you well for the future xx

Thankyou for your reply , im not 100% as to wat im doing yet its alot to take in , as i said i only found out today , but its good to hear that all went well for you , i wish you well for the future xx

Hi LolaB, my initial reaction was just chop the whole thing off and get rid of it but my surgeon said that having a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy wouldn't make a difference as to whether the cancer came back or not so I opted for a lumpectomy.  I'm also 51 and have no intention of leaving this world any time soon and preferred to hang onto my breast given it wasn't going to endanger me.  I've been super happy with the outcome.

Discuss pros and cons with your surgeon as we and are tumours are all unique.  If your surgeon thinks you minimise re occurrence more by going for a mastectomy then you have your answer but if you don't then you might prefer the lumpectomy.

Radiotherapy isn't supposed to be much of a big deal so personally I wouldn't let that influence you but do ask your surgeon first because it might be different for you.

My radiotherapy starts on Monday for 5 days so drop me a message if you want some feedback on how I find that, but others who have just finished theirs didn't have any issues so I'm very chilled about it.

Hope you reach a decision you are happy with. xx

I was also offered the choice between mx and a lumpectomy.   At first you just want to do anything to get rid of the cancer and I considered the mx, but the surgeon repeated that a lumpectomy would not have any more increased risk of recurrence.   I went for a lumpectomy and have not regretted that decision as I kept my breast and even with reconstruction it feels like me.

I would recommend another chat with your bcn, they see lots of ladies in similar situations and should be able to offer good advice based on your size, lump location etc  x 

Thankyou for your reply, im glad you had a good outcome and you still feel like yourself, i will take this onboard before making any decisions , thankyou xx

LolaB, I personally had a lumpectomy with surrounding tissue and one lymph node removed. I was told (my circumstances could be different as each cancer is specific to an individual) that there was no benefit in me having a mastectomy over lumpectomy along with chemo, radiotherapy and hormone treatments. I am 39 years old. I went with the advice and currently having my chemo and then radiotherapy. I am hoping I have made the correct decision. It’s so hard isn’t it? 
I would get as much information as possible and even seek a second opinion if you are still not sure what is best. As everyone is unique what may work for one, may not work out for another. 
Good luck in whatever you choose. 
Warm hugs,

Bekky

xx