Connect
← Return to I have LCIS, anyone else?
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
I decided on a second mastectomy plus radiation. I talked to the radiation oncologist at the breast center associated with my hospital. He is extremely knowledgeable and approachable, and explained everything in great detail, answering all of my many questions (that I had typed out ahead of time). He emphasized that their equipment is state of the art, and I later found out from another doctor that he is internationally known. (We live in the San Francisco Bay area.) I feel lucky to have such a good doctor and such excellent facilities. Knowing all this, I thought I felt confident to go ahead with radiation therapy. I had been worried about it before.
It is true that it is a risk to go ahead without a mastectomy, but after analyzing all my concerns, I realized that they were all about the future, and what might happened 10 or 15 years down the road. I am 68. I decided to do what I wanted to do right now - I am still happily married to the love of my life, and I want to enjoy sex with two breasts (to be very frank). Also, in the future it is entirely possible that they will come up with new treatments that will be very effective. So I decided to go with what I want for now and not be so anxious about what might happen in the future. I know this decision might not be for everyone. I can be a bit of a (calculated) risk-taker. Some will prefer to just "get it over with" and not have to worry about all the follow-ups, which is very understandable. Hope this helps.
Replies to "I decided on a second mastectomy plus radiation. I talked to the radiation oncologist at the..."
Connect
P.S. I also got a second opinion from a second surgeon. Before making my decision to get a second lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy I talked to my surgeon, an oncologist, the radiation oncologist, and a second breast surgeon. I went prepared with all the questions I could think of, typed up, and handed it to them. (I made a copy for myself, so I could make sure all my questions were answered, and I could make notes.) My husband went along so in case I missed anything, he could help me remember. I discussed the doctors' answers with him and with friends who have had breast cancer or were medical professionals. I talked to two women who had had mastectomies and two women who had had lumpectomies and one who had had radiation therapy. I read as much as I could on the topic. Basically I gave myself six weeks to make this decision (I asked the surgeon if I could wait, and he said it was fine). That took some of the pressure off. I know this may sound overwhelming to some, but it gave me the confidence that when I finally made the decision, I made the best one possible. Each person should think about how she best makes decisions, and go with what makes you feel most comfortable. If possible don't try to decide right away. Give yourself space. I went from "yes - mastectomy!" to "no, lumpectomy is the way to go" back to "mastectomy" and finally landed on lumpectomy. But by that time I was certain of my decision.