Her2 positive breast cancer neoadjunct chemo and now surgery

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I have completed 6 treatments of chemo and hepraceptin with a good response. The radiographer stated 98% chance the cancer is gone - can’t be 100% sure until pathology results.

This is all great however I now have to make the decision between a lumpectomy and mascectomy. I had two different cancers and have small breasts so this will take a lot of tissue to send to pathology and I will probably go from a B cup size to an A. I love swimming and would like to look balanced

My other option is to have a mascectomy and reconstruction This procedure is more intrusive and recovery will take longer. I may be removing what is now considered a healthy breast.

There is also the possibility that I proceed with a lumpectomy but pathology ststes there is still cancer and I will require a mascectomy anyway.

Has anyone else been in the same predicament? What were your considerations?   

  • Hi  

    I don’t have quite the same experience as my boobs are overly large, so a lumpectomy made little difference. I am however a pool user and it never occurs to me to look for minor differences in symmetry in other pool users. We did have a regular user for a while who had had a single mastectomy and no one batted an eye at her. Once you are in the water no one is going to see anyway. I know if it was my choice I would just have the simpler operation because speedy and simple recovery would be my personal priority.

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  • Hi, I had chemo first and it reduced the cancer significantly so I was also given the same choice as you. I elected for the lumpectomy primarily as I wanted the least invasive surgery.  I must admit, I didn't like being given a choice and would have preferred to be told, but I did ask my surgeon if it was his wife, what would he be recommending and that helped with my decision.  Best wishes 

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  • Thanks for this my surgeon stated it was a very personal decision and my decision but good to have your experience!

  • Thank you! Good to meet a fellow swimmer. I think once my decision is made I will live with the consequences and you’re absolutely right once in the water swimming no one’s looking at your breasts!