HER2+ lumpectomy

Hi Klara, I was HER2+ , Grade 1 but Stage 2 …my cancer was bigger at 4cm. The plan was to have chemo first to reduce the cancer in order to have lumpectomy. I have quite a large bust but even so needed to reduce tumour first and I think where it was positioned was easier to take out without leaving a noticeable deformity. My surgeon however did give me the option of a single mastectomy if I wanted for peace of mind but said there was no difference in outcomes from mastectomy or lumpectomy. I hope your journey is going well x

Hi, I had a 55cm lump, also ER+ and HER2+.  Chemo zapped it completely and I had the choice of lumpectomy or mastectomy. I went with the lumpectomy as I wanted the least invasive surgery.  I also had radiotherapy afterwards. Hope this helps. Best wishes 

Hi Klara, I had the same message about  the 2 options being equally effective. I was told I'd need mastectomy for 2 large pre-invasive DCIS areas but new surgeon offered quadrantectomy - a big lumpectomy & a remodel at same time- as I had such saggy boobs ( he said that bit very professionally!) -there was enough spare skin for him to play with, basically. I was completely thrown as I'd already decided exactly what I wanted etc - plus the whole saggy boob thing was a shock - thought they looked fine til he said that!!! In the end, I asked him what he'd recommend - the smaller op, he said with no hesitation - and I've been so pleased I did that. The new boob is weeny as he found a lot more crud during op and I'd never have had the option if he'd known how large it all was but I'm so glad I went with his recommendation, not doing mastectomy. There was some Grade 3 HER2+ cancer hiding too so I'm having radiotherapy after my insurance chemo and Anastrazole pills for years for the oestrogen aspect of it. My friend had mastectomy for exactly same diagnosis as me, just as I was choosing what to do and she has struggled rather with the scarring & tummy pain - she had the tummy flap op  & needed lots of physio - but is happy with her new boob. It just took a lot out of her while she recovered - 6 months ago now and needs a bit more physio still. Hope that's helpful.

If it's any comfort and you go for lumpectomy, NHS seem very keen to do all they can to tidy up a not-so-good boob op - I was offered symmetry surgery which surprised me as I thought I'd just have to manage with comedy boobs forever and another friend has had several ops to pop a bit of extra fat into a flatter patch of her boob.

Hope that might be useful - deciding is the worst stage as you feel so unsure -maybe ask what your surgeon recommends - but when you've decided, everything falls into place and there's some certainty about what's next which feels so good suddenly. Good luck x