Mastectomy or visual dent?

Hi, sorry you find yourself in this situation.  I had two surgeries as my margins weren’t clear.  I was initially told if the margins weren’t clear after the second surgery that I would need a mastectomy.  The surgeon then decided I had enough breast to take a further margin.  I have a dent my areola and if I lean forward with nothing on you can see some missing breast.  Personally I can cope with this and would have struggled with a mastectomy though my surgeon didn’t know that.  I wear a T-shirt bra and you wouldn’t notice anything different.  I also asked my surgeon the most important question.  If I opted for a mastectomy would the chances of the cancer returning be lower and he said no.  Tge only risk was that my margins would not be clear and I would need further surgery.  I was willing to take the risk.  I wish you all the best in whatever you decide. Hugs x

That sounds very similar. Thanks a lot x

I had two shots at a lumpectomy but the surgeon failed to find a clear margin. I actually wanted a mastectomy because I felt he couldnt go on operating without more data than he set out with. The tumour had been spreading microscopically behind the opaque lump that had showed up in scans.
Got my mastectomy feedback on Friday. From an original ‘diagnosis’ of 28mm, what they found was a spread of 138mm. So glad I had the breast off. The healing process was easier this time but I can see that a monoboob would be a challenge for a younger and/or bustier person. Perhaps you could consider a reconstruction now or at a later date? I have a friend who’s happy with her prosthetic - but, again, an older woman.

 Having said all that, it is true that my cancer is grade 3. You probably need to talk  the risk/benefits through with someone - get a second opinion to the surgeon’s.

Good luck

Theresa 

Is lipofilling a possibility? I have very noticeable dents but not as noticeable with my arms down. I was initially offered lipofilling, then told no but might be a possibility for you maybe.

Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be. Apparently there’s not enough fat anywhere to use, although I would disagree ;-) 

Sorry to hear that. I wonder if you could get a second opinion. I know it's not easy though when you're in a stressful situation