Emotional & scared

I think it is almost harder when you have a choice about treatments. A mastectomy is simpler and avoids radiotherapy (which has its own side effects) and you could have immediate reconstruction too. Whatever you choose, you don't want any regrets. Do what you feel is comfortable for you and your feelings about recurrence - sometimes it doesn't matter what the stats say, if our heads are telling us something different! Good luck with your decision xxxx

Hi, right from the start I elected for a mastectomy. I just wanted it off. But I had to have 15 rounds of radiotherapy too. So yes, just do what you feel comfy with. I’d have like a double mastectomy for symmetry, but they don’t like doing that. My prosthetic boob is really comfy, improves my posture, and with clothes (even low cut)  matches my boob. No one except my closest family and friends know. 

Thank you Zephyr. X

That’s where I was Cloudier, I decided that I just want it off to minimise the chance of it coming back. The stats thing just threw me and completely confused me. I’ve been reading more and read something that says  that the lumpectomy with radiotherapy is a little better for early stage cancer. Which is the bit I’m unsure about, I’m fortunate it’s localised despite being a grade 3 cancer but the size of the tumour isn’t considered stage 1. I need to speak to my surgeon again for clarity I think. 
Thank you for responding. X

Hi Such a difficult decision. I am BRACA 2 and now diagnosed with triple negative cancer.  I was having annual mammograms which after 5 years was proving an emotional drain.  So I have just has double mastectomy with reconstruction.  I am so pleased with the result and my breast look the same.  What ever choice I had made I have to have chemo because of the cancer.  No choice is easy.  All the best  

Hi Isobel,  yes, yes I totally get it as I was in your shoes about 6 months ago.  Found out I had DCIS in right breast and was going to have lumpectomy followed by Radiation and I was ok with that.  But then the MRI showed Stage 1 invasive in left and biopsy was done.  Was lucky as surgeon got it with 3 mm margins so surgery was done on that side.  But I was torn about needing radiation on both breasts and didn’t want to do it.  Talk about a mess of emotions.  My breast cancer surgeon was patient with me and it took me about 5 weeks to decide.  He told me that the survival rate is the same for lumpectomy or mastectomy and I told him that I wanted to make my decisions on the facts and not an emotional decision.  He had me go see the radiation oncologist and that really helped me to decide.  Had lumpectomy on right side and radiation snd all done with that.  I have been put on anastrazole as tumors were ER and PR positive.  Am happy that I was able to keep my breasts.  They are small but I feel like before just a little bit smaller.  No complaints.  
You will make the right decision for you.  Just takes time to digest everything.  I also was 72 when diagnosed but healthy.

I am going to get a mammogram in August and I know that I will be apprehensive but I am trying to live in the present and not think too much down the road.  

Barbara

Hi, I am recently diagnosed grade 3, back at the clinic for the results of my MRI next Friday. Up to now I have been told my treatment will lumpectomy/radiotherapy/hormone treatment. I'm bouncing from being numb to total melt downs. I haven't had the choice of a mastectomy which scares me for the same reason you was thinking mastectomy..... I thought it would cut down the chances of it coming back. 

Your not alone, constantly stressing about the right treatment.

BW xx