Hi. I'm new to this group and hoping to learn a lot from your experiences.
I'm in my thirties, recently diagnosed with invasive carcinoma with mucinous features in the right breast. A shock to my system! Tumor is more than 3cm, and I'm just under a B cup size. I'm grappling with the decision to make on the way forward.
(1) lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by radiation, oncotype DX test and hormone therapy. This will leave a scar across my boob and require potential fat graph given that the right boob will be smaller and look oblong to the left because of the size of the tumor relative to cup size. If more cancer is found in the safety margin I'm told a second excision may be necessary. This will leave me with very little tissue and a much smaller right boob which may lead to mastectomy after all that
(2) single mastectomy with expander whilst radiation is administered, if required after sentinel lymph node biopsy. Wait approx 6 months to insert implant. Risk here the left boob will eventually grow naturally and sag against a perky one. Risk of recurrence in the left especially if BRCA gene positive
(3) double mastectomy. With much of the same above except less risk of recurrence and more chance of symmetrical boobs. Trouble is how do you deal with no feeling or sensation - having a prosthetic chest as a woman
I'm advised that the treatment that follows is all dependent on the choice I make now. I have initiated a BRCA gene test and waiting for those results. PET CT showed no spread.
Any advice on how you made a decision or to help me make mine. I feel utterly overwhelmed and confused. I'm quite fed up of being invaded, touched, poked and prodded already and I haven't even begun my treatment!
I didn't have this choice mine was more straightforward and I'm 40 yrs older than you. It's a tough one and hard when feeling scared as we all are at this stage. Sorry you are here if course, I'm sure someone will respond who has maybe had a similar decision.
I had total node node removal in lt axilla and wide excision lumpectomy. Oncotype DX said chemo not needed. Radiotherapy then Letrozole for me. Were you given any idea of what stage and grade or are you just waiting for results before deciding? I've got used to living with it now, maybe that's the key thing, what preserves life the best. Some have implants, some have prosthesis in the bra. At your age it's harder of course.
