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I just got diagnosed with LCIS this March of 2024, in my right breast. The breast surgeon is recommending lumpectomy followed by a visit to the oncologist to start preventive cancer medicine followed by mammograms/sonograms and mri’s testing every 6 months to a year. My boyfriend feels like I should get a mastectomy to just be done with the whole situation. I’m not quite sure what to do. I’m not crazy about taking medicine that might create side effects down the road or constantly running to the doctor every 6 months or so. Especially when other things can still pop up later. But I’m not sure what a mastectomy would look like (and feel like) for me. It doesn’t seem like the most popular thing to do, why not? Is this too dramatic thing to do?
Replies to "I just got diagnosed with LCIS this March of 2024, in my right breast. The breast..."
This website seems to be an excellent source of information on how to make this decision. I wish I had seen it before I had to choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy. https://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/lumpectomy-vs-mastectomy-how-to-choose.html#:~:text=Mastectomy%20takes%20longer%20and%20is,you%20have%20a%20breast%20reconstruction.
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@carolyn224, sometimes having choices can be so hard. Asking questions is your best plan forward. Luckily others before you have debated the same question about lumpectomy vs mastectomy. See all the discussions related to this decision.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/?search=mastectomy%20or%20lumpectomy&index=discussions
Note that not all of these discussions refer to a diagnosis of LCIS. So, you'll want to ask your oncologist questions. For example:
- What are the pros and cons of lumpectomy vs mastectomy?
- If I get a mastectomy, will I still have to have preventive cancer medicine?
- What will follow up be like for either decision?
- What are my choices for reconstruction?
Keep in mind that follow up is likely still required with a mastectomy to make sure that cancer does not return. You will continue to have imaging studies of the other breast as well.
Also, make sure you do what is comfortable for you. I know it's overwhelming. How are you doing with all this?