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Lumpectomy or mastectomy that is the dilema. Any insight would help.
Hello,
I have been reading posts since shortly after I was diagnosed in early June with ILC. It has been quite informative, has made me hopeful, and I am greatful that this sight and you all exist to help with the feelings of helplessness an uncertainy when diagnosed with BC.
It has taken this long to get all of my tests and I am now to the point of making a decision about treatment. My bone & PT scans were clear, 3 lymph nodes tested positive and my onco score is 11. The tumor is border line for lumpectomy and my surgeon has given me a choice of staying on Letrozole and shrinking tumor size for lumpectomy or having a L breast mastectomy. Everything in me just wants the cancer out of my body but is that the best solution? Any input on both procedures would be most helpful. Thank you!
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No, I was not on Letrozole to shrink the tumor area prior to my “segmental mastectomy”/lumpectomy. I was fortunate that the surgery could be completed without the initial use of aromatase inhibitors. Good luck, ILC sister!💕💕
Although I cannot tell you what to do, I can share my experience. Please know that not one person with BC is the same as another person. That is what makes BC insanely confusing, however, the good news is that you are never alone.
I was diagnosed with BC in the left breast in Sept 2023. Was given the option of a lumpectomy or mastectomy as the tumor was seen early on mammogram and was 2mm in size. I chose a lumpectomy the first time, pathology came back and the margins were not clear, The second lumpectomy was inconclusive, then I opted for a mastecomy with a tissue expander placement for future reconstruction the third time. I am currently waiting for my next surgery date for reconstruction.
Girl, TRUST your instincts as you learn more about your options and know that you will make the right decision for you. It took me a long time to decide what I wanted. Take as long as you need to make the most informed decsion. You are a warrior!
Wishing you well!
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3 ReactionsHi! Did you oncologist ever talk to you about lowering the dose of the AI? I am not that familiar with AI’s as I can not take them because I am pre menopausal and am on tamoxifen. My oncologist lowered my tamoxifen dose because when I started it , I too had back pain along with pelvic pain. So we are doing 10mg now instead of 20mg. Or maybe they can switch you to a different med? I would certainly ask. 🙂
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1 ReactionThank you and good luck on your reconstruction! I may be headed down that road myself. Take as much time as I need, that helped a lot!
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2 ReactionsThank you, I'm on 1 mg Anastrozole so not sure about the doses. I will be asking the Dr.
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1 ReactionI can hardly wait to get a mastectomy. My left breast to me has become my enemy. DONT need it don’t want it. Unfortunately have to have at least 5 rounds of chemo prior to saying goodbye. Saying that, everyone is different and needs to make their own choice. Also have to take mental health into consideration. I have heath anxiety and will feel better to part ways with it.
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3 Reactionsmjmac- Checking what may have transpired till now on Oct 4th.
So much can happen. I know my tumor when removed showed it was Her2+. It was not positive with the biopsy. I had BRCA2 as well, so that influenced by decision. For me, Letrozole was never an option to shrink the tumor. Mine was big and only shrunk 1/2 with 13 rounds of chemo. Covid and Pancytopenia moved my surgery to two months past my last dose of chemo. The tumor started growing. The breast had to go. Luckily the 3 sentinel nodes to the tumor were clear.
Our bodies and us are so varied. Women have provided such good life experiences here. What i knew was once the whole breast is gone, that is it. No turning back for a real breast. That loss could be anxiety ridden to the nth degree.
I pray every one of us finds clarity when we make the decision.
I had a lumpectomy due to inductal Ca over 30 years ago. Then, I had to have a mastectomy as the same breast was full of Ca according to the surgeon. Fortunately, the lymph nodes were clear. The doctors are unsure if the 2 bouts of Ca are related. Best of luck to you. Btw, my surgeon gave me 3 days of sedative & I walked in without a care in the world.
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1 ReactionI was diagnosed with Grade 3 HR+ DCIS in R breast only. I had a suspicious area in L breast. I had already researched and decided to do DMX with AFC, so biopsy wasn't done on L breast until surgery. It ended up being benign. Had I known this prior, I would have still made the same decision. My mind was made up. My nodes were also clear.
I am now 6 weeks post op and very pleased with the results.
1. Too many stories of BD recurring in unaffected breast after lumpectomy and/or SMX.
2. Wanted to avoid radiation/chemo.
3. Wanted to avoid taking a carcinogenic drug like Tamoxifen.
4. Did not want to worry at every exam if something would be found in opposite breast.
5. Wanted symmetry.
6. Wanted easiest surgery and easiest recovery time.
I love not ever having to wear a bra again! No more hot flashes! It is very freeing! I still feel confident and sexy. I do not plan on wearing prosthetics. Saving money on buying expensive bras.
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4 Reactions@mjmac
From your other posts, I see your taking Letrozole to shrink your tumor before surgery.
I happen to run across this article, which is the question you were asking back in Aug. It does not give a definite answer because every treatment plan is based on the individual, It does list things to consider, most have already been suggested by other members.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-how-to-decide-which-breast-cancer-surgery-is-right-for-you/
What surgery did you decide on? Sorry if you already mention it and I missed it.