Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy & Reconstructive Surgery

Thank you so much for your thoughts and understanding. I have a bilateral breast cancer dx.
2 areas of ductal hyperplasia - 1 in each breast.
Right breast - invasive carcinoma (1.7 cm.)
Left breast - ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Life long hx. of dense breasts and microcalcifications. I will now be seeing medical, radiation and plastic surgery reconstructive oncology before proceeding with surgery. I feel it's a no brainer - bilateral mastectomy, I also don't want to be constantly worried the cancer will return if I go with several lumpectomies. 2 lymph nodes, right, were "inflamed". My surgeon told me "don't worry about this" (??).
Please tell me about your breast reconstructive process. I would certainly consider it but I am a bit fearful of it also causing problems in the long run...saline leaking, infection, etc. I have not met with this specialist as of yet so I do not know other options...my heart disease could be a factor. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

@briarrose I am 5 days past getting my implants put in last week. Prior to that, I had tissue expanders to prepare my skin. My mastectomy was October 2024.

My chest is bruised, but they had warned me about that. They also grafted fat from my belly to “fill in” around the implants.

I’m very pleased with the outcome. I was extremely confident with my plastic surgeon, and I am grateful for all of the training she did and the work she now does for women who have experienced breast cancer. Hope this helps as you weigh your choices.

I am on 4th dose of Chemo and have gone from deciding on a lumpectomy to a mastectomy. This is due to having very dense breasts and do not want to go through this again if possible. I know from reading that yes, there still can be a recurrence but want to alleviate any possible contributors! All the above information is very helpful and thanks susan7656 for information you shared about the implants!

Thank you kindly Susan for sharing 🙂 Hearing your experience was helpful, indeed.

@briarrose hello, I came across this article and hope it would help you make decision on your treatment. I had BMX six weeks ago and still deal with hematoma and some pain. Having a good surgeon is VERY important, so is seeing the surgeon few days after the surgery to make sure everything is ok.
https://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/lumpectomy-vs-mastectomy-how-to-choose.html
Wishing you the best outcome whatever the decision you make. Hugs

@moloney1231 Thank you for mentioning bustedtank.com! I finally decided the best answer for me was to adjust each cup separately. The bustedtank bra came in the mail today and it’s so comfortable and fits perfect. Amazing!
They suggest emailing them with special sizing needs. They answered back quickly and were spot on. I ended up with a small overall bra (which I looked at and thought, no way), one XL padded cup and one L plain unpadded cup. I probably would not have thought this would work so well.
I gave them so much info - not sure all was needed. It worked. Hopefully this might help someone else!