Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy & Reconstructive Surgery

This is a personal choice for sure and a difficult decision. I decided at 69 to have a masectomy. My tumor was 2b and I had dense breast's also. I didn't have reconstruction because I didn't want any more surgery. I don't miss it but It is more difficult when you fit bras with one good breast left. I made this choice because it made me feel safer. I had had problems thru the years with that breast so it is a relief that it is gone. Look at pictures of people who have had lumpectomies and masectomies it will help you see what it looks like. It is an adjustment at first but I am 4 years out and still happy with my decision. You will come to a decision that you are comfortable with. Good luck and sending hugs.

I had IDC in 3 areas on L breast and had a mastectomy with an implant done the same time. I am very pleased with the results and just had a breast lift on the right. My body is symmetrical and even perky! It is possible to have skin and nipple sparing mastectomy if your tissue is healthy and has good blood supply.
I wanted a double mastectomy but 2 Dr. told me the chances of cancer recurring in right breast was 3%. Talk to your Dr. about your biomarkers and how aggressive your cancer is. Sending you prayers that you make the right decision for you.❤️🤟🙏

I just had bilateral in Jan and love the fact that I had both removed. The first reason to do bilateral was this is my second time with breast cancer and didn’t want to go through this again. The second reason is that I am 60yrs old and leaving one there that was large and getting saggy - I knew I was going to have a symmetry issue. I had a Goldilocks procedure that gave me baby teenager boobs. So now I can strap on some perky light weight falsies (busted tank.com) or go flat.

Hi. I had a bilateral mastectomy just 2 weeks ago and I am doing very well. I am 67 and in otherwise good health. My cancer was a reoccurrence in the LB, as before. It feels though a lot of progress has been made in doing BMX to reduce the physical trauma. I was in the hospital overnight and home by noon the following day. I needed only the Tylenol 24x7 to control the pain…minimal! I was able to put loose fitting shirts on by myself within the first week. Even though I knew a BMX was right for me I grew fearful of the trauma as surgery approached. I have no regrets now. Also, before surgery I was a C or D cup which made me a candidate for single stage reconstruction using my existing breast skin to create small breast-like mounds instead of the completely flat chest. Ask around…Goldilocks single stage reconstruction. Surgery lasted 3 hours plus the lymph node mapping. I hope you find this helpful!

Hi, I was faced at age 43 with the dilemma of mastectomy vs. lumpectomy in 1992. Not as much was known then about lumpectomy. Even though I was young, I wanted to live to see my children grow up. Breasts were dense. So I opted for the mastectomy + 6 mo. of chemo. They found another spot after the breast removal. It was difficult as a young person with body image, hair loss, etc. But every year that I returned for a mammogram on the other side I got more used to feeling healthy & wearing that prostheses...it just felt like a part of me when dressed; husband didn't care. So now I am having a recurrence, but it's 32 years later, & kids are adults; I'm 75.
My surgeon says we now know that bilateral mastectomies don't prevent a recurrence; I was surprised to hear that. So I am back to watching the other side with mammograms. That was my experience. Good wishes for a positive experience for you!

Facing mastectomy at 43 is a much more challenging decision than mine at 67 and you’re right that we are never really free from some risk of reoccurrence. That’s the really hard part to overcome. Regular check ups, good diet and exercise are our best friends!

Tnbc stage 2a… Nipple sparing bilateral mastectomy with saline reconstructive implants, followed by ac-t chemo. I’m 64. I never questioned my decision.
Not everyone is a candidate for nipple sparing or even bilateral if insurance deems it unnecessary. I was also able to have my reconstructive surgery at the same time as mastectomy, which is not available in every case. I did not want the expander option for reconstruction because I wanted to possibly get on with my life after chemo…
The hard and fast options come from what your doctor says you can or can’t do. Everyone is different. The best choice is that which doesn’t mess with your following cancer treatment. Infection can happen with or without implant issues… be beautiful and know you have a forum of friends.

I had bilateral mastectomy in October after 3 lumpectomies. I’m 56 and chose to go flat. I don’t regret it at all. The surgery and recovery was relatively easy, just an overnight stay in the hospital and drains for 2 weeks. I did not need anything other than Tylenol and ibuprofen for pain. I started physical therapy 3 weeks into recovery which I highly recommend. For me, this choice was the best to ease my mind going forward. You have to do what your gut tells you. I wish you much luck in your journey… it’s a scary time, so surround yourself with support, comfort and the space to process it all. 🩷

Do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable regarding your health. I had stage 1A and had a lumpectomy and breast reduction. And I love my smaller breasts (C to an A) however the downside is it makes mammograms harder to read because it changes the breast tissue and comparing mammogram images becomes harder. But for me so far so good however I did have a scare the past couple of weeks when I felt a palpable lump on my right side my original cancer was on the left. Thankfully I was felling my milk duct, because my breasts are so small I guess I can feel more, I don't know but I'm relieved it was nothing!

I want to thank all of you for sharing your experiences. I have had lumpectomies and radiation for cancers in both breasts and in a couple of months I will be having a follow-up MRI and mammogram after a bi-rads 3 probably benign diagnosis. If it ends up being a malignancy, I will probably have to consider mastectomies since you can't have radiation 2 times in a breast.
Thanks again for being so open about your experiences.
Katrina123