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!