Lumpectomy or mastectomy that is the dilema. Any insight would help.

Wow, that’s a lot of great information, thank you!
I have not had genetic testing since there is no long history of breast or ovarian cancer in my family except for my sister. I now am rethinking that test.
I will check out the Susan K. Websites you suggested.
It is as also good to hear that you’re at yr 5 and what happens after surgery. My surgeon basically told me the same as your oncologist.
I had had a mamo 2 months prior to my discovery so I think mri’s will be the way to go for me. I see why you’re a mentor, thank you!

I’m sorry you are going through this… it’s scary for sure. So nice to have this connection with others!
I was diagnosed with right breast DCIS in Feb. No lymph node involvement . A little over 3cm and grade3. I had a lumpectomy but did not get clear margins and they found a little invasive ( which they said was common) so they scheduled another lumpectomy. That one did not get a clear margin on one side! I figured 3rd time’s the charm! Nope. Third lumpectomy, still one unclear margin and also some lobular ( LCIS). I also developed a Seroma and have to pack my incision with gauze daily. I decided this is enough…as I have dense breast tissue and I had a questionable area on my left side a while back as well. It biopsied ok but made me nervous. So now I’m scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy in October. I’ve decided to go flat as I’m 55 and the idea is a little “ freeing” to me. I’ve know several women with implant issues and I’ve already had 3 surgeries, so that’s not for me. Others I know who’ve had DCIS said “ oh it will be one and done!” in the beginning of this process…what I’ve learned is not to expect anything but hope for the best, since you just don’t know. Every step of the way is different. I’m hoping this decision will give me peace of mind in the future and though it will be an emotional transition, I feel sure it’s the right one for me.

@mjmac
Just a comment on genetic testing.
I was diagnosed 32 years ago. At that time they only tested for BRCA mutations- I was negative and no family history of any cancer.
One of my daughters, 41, was given genetic testing. She was found to have the CHEK2 mutation. She is now monitored with mammogram and MRI 6 months apart. It was also mentioned that she could take preventative medication.
I got another genetic test and I was negative for CHEK2.

Getting rid of the cancer is what we all want, but there is rarely any single procedure that will give us that guarantee. Sometimes shrinking a tumor may actually be the best option because if it’s eventually removed in a smaller more contained state, there may be less likelihood of a spread. There’s no guarantee in anything and by having a mastectomy or any surgical procedure is not a guarantee that something is gone. Me that was one of the hardest parts of adjusting to my new life as a cancer patient. I am over five years post mastectomy, I continue to have lots of doctor visits as they monitor a spot on my kidney, cloudiness in my lungs that seems to be the result of radiation, and of course the breast cancer folks will continue to see me for the rest of my life. I think my outcome is a pretty good one, but I am still a cancer patient. I will always be a cancer patient. It was really hard for me to adjust to a wait and see attitude following procedures. I so much wanted something to just cut it out burn it off get rid of it. It may happen for some cancer patients, but I doubt that it happens for most or all of us. I would pay attention to what your doctors advice. Even if they ultimately are going to remove the mass, it may well be a more successful attempt. If the mass they are removing is smaller rather than larger. Talk to them about that. Talk to your family about accepting the fact that you have carefully researched and discussed with the experts the appropriate next steps and that there’s no simple just cut it out and it’ll be gone! Hope that helps

Getting the cancer out of your body with clear margins is the most important thing. There are many options with mastectomy. Depending on the tumor location a nipple sparing could be possible with immediate reconstruction with implants or autologous or a combination. You can also have both breasts removed and reconstruction to have symmetry or have the other breast modified for symmetry later. A lumpectomy may leave you with an odd shape, it depends on how much tissue they take and how you heal. Also if you need radiation that will compromise the skin for later surgeries.
I had invasive ductal carcinoma and I opted for lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. If I could go back in time, I would have the bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with implants. I went against the recommended big surgery because it scared me at the time. My surgeon is still recommending we go back and do the bilateral but now they have to graft from my back muscle (lat) and possibly can’t save the left nipple. I had residual cancer show up on my PET scan and that’s why she wants to go back and remove all the breast tissue.
Way your options carefully and talk to your surgeons and oncologist.

I was diagnosed with DCIS, stage 0 grade 3 in 2 areas of my left breast in May. I'm having DMX, direct to implants surgery on 8/20. Based on all the tests, forms, questionnaires, appointments that I went through between May and now, I did not want to possibly go through another cancer diagnosis in my other breast. I know there are no guarantees, but I want the best chance. Hope this helps. Best to you!

I was diagnosed with DCIS 1A in left breast, the surgeon advised me that due to being localized lumpectomy was the best road because of shorter recovery period and same outcome with mastectomy. I did radiation after lympectomy and my margines were clear, my lymphnodes were clear. I did not do chemo, but I am doing Lupron with Letrozole. I started feeling something weird on my right breast and long story short it was just fibroadenoma. But, at that time I questioned myself for nor just have both breast taken out for a peace of mind. But, I had also read women who have had mastectomy and had the cancer come back. So I think that if I were you I would listen to my body, what is your body telling you? Also if it is not localize and you have more than one spot then maybe is best to go with everything. In my case if this cancer returns I will go with everything mastectomy and chemo. I pray you make the right decision for you and remember always listen to your body it will tell you what is the right thing to do.

I'm 2 weeks out from a lumpectomy and it's such a relief to have the tumor out. I've read the data on equal effectiveness of both surgical options, and wanted the most simple, yet effective, treatment. The mental strain of the past 3 months going through all of the tests, making decisions and living w this unexpected situation was more than I thought it would be. Thank God for supportive friends, and medical personnel who were kind and put me first. Each situation is different but whatever gives you peace of mind is the right choice. Blessings and a great outcome is expected for you. Peace.

I joined bc.org after i had started treatment. For me, I was not given an AI to shrink my tumor, but rather Chemo. It was 5cm. After this decision was made, I got my genetic test back. I carried the BRCA2 mutation. The chemo was supposed to shrink the tumor. It did, but only by 1/2. The margin needed to remove it would still make a lumpectomy a no go. I need to add that not being large breasted, I never thought breast cancer would happen. Skin cancer yes. This was from 2021. I know today that getting info from bc.org and Mayo provided me with the courage to ask questions and how to be an advocate for myself. I had 3 sentinel nodes with no cancer. A result that is different among many of us.
There is so much research out there now. More knowledge will give more acceptance for your own choice.

You have had a long road! I hope your decision goes smoothly for you. Your comment expect nothing but hope for the best sounds right on. Good luck and I hope I can quickly come to a decision that I’m comfortable with. Thank you