% chance of recurrence almost the same for lumpectomy vrs mastectomy. Girls , help, what do I do???

Hi Beyoncépower, 

I’m a bit behind you in this rollercoaster ride, having only just started chemo (2 sessions so far) ahead of surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The initial plan was chemo to reduce lump size to potentially enable lumpectomy although as a subsequent MRI revealed another teeny tiny lump, it looks like mastectomy now.

Which I’m ok with. Right from the get go, I was uncomfortable with the idea of lumpectomy and recurrence. I didn’t know anything about specific stats - not sure if those you quote are general or specific to you - but for me I’m going to grab any percentage available. 

Although my surgery is a few months away yet, I’m already considering not having immediate reconstruction. To give me time to think about the right option for me and to get through radiotherapy. I might change my mind several times between now and then though!

I’m hoping that this will mean I can go back to work for a period before scheduling whatever option I decide, at a later date.

Wishing you well whatever you decide is right for you x

Hi

Congratulations on getting through your chemo.

In 2012 I was diagnosed with stage 2. Given chemo to shrink it before having lumpectomy and radiotherapy. 

If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone straight for the mastectomy. I had a recurrence and had to have a mastectomy in January and start chemo on Wednesday.

It is a personal decision that only you can make, however, you say the % is similar but every percent counts as well.

It is a hard decision you face but do the right thing for you.

Lots of love

Del x

Hi. I thought I would have a mastectomy but they said a lumpectomy was fine and the chances of reoccurrence would be similar/the same. So i wasn’t offered a mastectomy. Had a lumpectomy, surgery went well, boob looks ok now. Only time will tell for me, had surgery last sept and just finished follow up chemo. I would have done whatever was needed but the consultants felt confident this was the right route for me. I guess I trusted in their advice.

good luck and hope You get to the right decision. You have to do what’s right for you. Take care 

I was offered a choice (2.7cm ER+ grade 1/2 tumour towards the back of my 40C chest). I asked for mastectomy as I thought I'd worry about something being left behind and after the  surgery I was told that there was an area if DCIS not seen on the scans so I'd made the right choice. I do miss my breast as I went flat with the intention of delayed reconstruction, but the scans also missed a positive node so I don't mind being flat for a while as it's easier to check!

Hi 

thank you getting back to me, it’s helpful to see how others think and reach their decision.

The paper the consultant gave me included all BC but was for early stage only. I’m trying to grapple with the idea of not having the major surgery which is very appealing. I’m very scared that the reconstruction won’t take 3-5% failure,then I’ll be left flat one side and a big boob on the other. That is making me feel very anxious. However there’s no denying that statistically it’s the better of the options.

Hoping to speak with my BC nurse today.

Also it’s my last docetaxel today, can’t actually believe it!!! Hope yours is going smoothly and not too many side affects. Good luck with whatever you decide re the reconstruction and all your treatments xx

Yay! Last one! Well done you. I’m having docetaxel  x 4 after the EC. Not too many SEs so far, just tiredness. I should have added that I’m not particularly big busted so I don’t perhaps have the same considerations as someone who isn’t. Whatever you decide it’ll be right for you x

Ooh I’m glad to hear  that you e had minimal SE. The DPT I’m having has been fine. A bit of bone pain and mouth issues and a face rash on the first one but more manageable on the next. I always think it could’ve a lot worse! Really hope you sail through it.

xx

Hi Londonmumof2 thanks for getting in touch. It really does help hearing what other people’s experiences are.

Its so hard, I know they find things when they open you up and that nothing is clean cut. 

Having  a wee chat with my BCN later which I hope will help.

Good luck with all your treatments and thanks again xxx

Hi Beyoncepower,

Well done on finishing your chemo!  

When I was first diagnosed with lobular Stage 2 in 2005 I was offered a choice of lumpectomy or mastectomy and I chose the latter as I know I would have worried about a recurrence in the remaining tissue.  As it turned out, it was the right choice as the histology of the breast showed two further focuses of cancer that had not been visible on the scans.

I've just been diagnosed again in my remaining breast and once again have been offered a choice.  My consultant said there is some evidence that women who have lumpectomies do better than those who have mastectomies, but I'm not convinced and will be having a mastectomy again on 1st April.

It's not easy, but be guided by your medical team, gather together all the information you can, and then you'll be best placed to make your decision. 

Whatever you choose, I wish you all the best x

1. Hi 

thank you for your reply.

So sorry to hear you’re having to face all this again. I did ask my consultant about a double Mx but they refuse to do it which seems madness when lobular has a likelihood of coming back in the other boob. Do you know what treatment lies ahead for you? .

Anyway, I feel like I’ve read every paper on the subject for the last 20 years. My oncologist and BCN were very helpful so I’m going to decide this week. Both warned me many women have psychological problems after a single mastectomy which I’m trying to consider too. It seems like our struggles are never ending at times!!  This has been my worst week since being diagnosed. 

Hoping that you are coping as well as possible and sending you all my positivity and virtual hugs so you can beat cancer for a second time

J x