I have to choose which surgery i have?

Hi Charden 

It is true they don’t always get clear margins and if they don’t, you need another surgery. That wouldn’t necessarily mean a mastectomy and of course you are more likely to get clear margins than not. Cancer outcomes are likely to be similar whatever you do. You say your surgeon is leaning towards mammoplasty, which means they have reasonable confidence that will work for you. We are all different but I think that’s what I would choose. A mastectomy will need significantly more recovery time plus are you happy to be flat or would you be looking for reconstructive surgery? 

Thank you so much for reply I would have to be flat as m not suitable to have reconstruction after mastectomy so it really is all or nothing i totally wasn't prepared to have to make a decision ive got some time to think about it before I see my surgeon again thanks again for giving me a different way to look at things 

Hi .  I recently had therapeutic mammoplasty for grade 2 lobular invasive cancer.  3/4 tumours removed and 5 lymph nodes (2 positive). Clear margins. I was HER2 negative, oestrogen positive.  I was delighted with the result as the breast is smaller and uplifted .  The other one will be done to match later on.  I recovered quickly and went home the same day.  As my oncotype score was low enough I’m having radiotherapy, 11 down and 4 to go.  I’m 73 but my outward appearance is still important to me , 

Hey Charden 

Not wanting to lose your breast is certainly not vain. I'm facing surgery after chemo and while making sure all cancer is gone is also my first priority, I would 100% prefer to keep my breast if it's possible. If this were me, based on everything you've said, I would go for the mammoplasty. 

All the best to you. x

I was in an absolute turmoil when they gave the decision to me too! I felt so stupid delaying surgery for days unable to make the decision knowing time was omportant too. I couldn’t understand why Iwas left to me as they are the experts. On hindsight , and in a better place now, I can see that they can’t decide as every woman is different and has different needs/ different things they find important. I decided to go for a doughnut mastoplexy as I couldn’t bear the thought of foreign body or being flat. It went well and I woukd have left it at that as the difference wouldn’t have bothered me. Then the margins weren’t big enough so a second operation left me very lopsided. I opted for a third operation to make the other breast match and am delighted! The decisions were much harder than the operations and I now have the uplifted breasts of my youth! Hope you decide soon and have as good an outcome as I did. The decision really is the hardest part xxx

Thank you so much for reply I haven't got anyone whos been through this to discuss it with who understands how it feels to face loosing a breast good luck with the rest of your treatment x 

Thank you so much for reply when my surgeon said these are the options for you to choose from my brain was saying hang on a minute your the expert here why aren't you telling me, I guess I didnt stop to think its my body and I have to live with it, its great you finally had a positive outcome all the best x 

Hi, you might consider chatting your options through with the wonderful folks at Macmillan. The helpline is open 8am to 8 pm every day on 0800 808 0000 and they could be a useful sounding board.

I elected for the least invasive surgery, but I also asked my consultant if it was him / his wife, what would he do. I had a lumpectomy.  I too was surprised at having a choice. Best wishes 

Thank you for the advice, yeah choosing my own surgery seems way to scary 

All the best x