Lumpectomy + radiation VS Mastectomy -- pros cons?

I was also given the choice of a mastectomy or lumpectomy, however, I had all ready had radiation. Personally, I did not think the radiation was all that bad and I had 20+ treatments. Yes, I did get burned.....a little....but got a prescription from the Dr. to help with that. I had the lumpectomy and am doing well. I am also taking exemestane as a follow up. I guess the choice is up to you. I have had no issues since my surgery and so far, so good.

Jjmoon..

It is always your choice, it’s your body!!

I was scheduled for a lumpectomy, but after my first round of chemo they discovered I had grown a 2nd tumor in the same breast - but a different “flavor” if you will that the chemo I was on did NOT address.

At that time I chose a bilateral. I have no regrets and wish I would have done this route at the time of the initial surgery. But since I had been scheduled for a lumpectomy I had not met with a plastic surgeon so I have had to wait to get this work done. I could have save myself a LOT of recovery time if I would have started reconstruction at the time of initial surgery!!!

I am now a lot more confident that I won’t have a breast cancer recurrence.

But as I said initially, the choice is YOURS. You have to decide what is best for you now and in the long run.

Don’t stress out by going down the doctor Google rabbit hole.

Same here! Had single last year (stage 1, triple positive, chemo, herceptin), requested double but Dr. refused. Now the one breast left that was DCIS years ago and has been radiated/lumpectomy is showing calcifications that need more tests. New Dr. also strongly discouraging breast removal. Says recurrence rate too low. Advised continuing with imaging, MRI's and biopsies as needed until either cancer comes back or I die of other causes ( I'm 67). What the ? I really need some help here. I feel like I have some kind of PTSD over all this.

May I ask how old you are? I am 67 and have been thinking about double mastectomy instead of the lumpectomy with radiation and 5 years of hormone suppression. Thank you for sharing.

That is frightening. Would you be willing to share whether this was a Mayo doctor? I’m afraid I will be told “no”. I am rather shocked that they would not consider the mastectomy if so desired. I am also 67 and expected to live until well into my 90’s before this diagnosis. Thank you for sharing.

Hi! bbhere:

I am so sorry that your doctors seem not to care about your concerns:( Would it be possible for you to find a second opinion in other cancer centers?

Pray for you to make the best decision with the best care team on the journey ahead. Be blessed!

Not a Mayo doctor. I was surprized as well.

DCIS —stage 0 is precancer and based on genes, Onco, etc may carry lower risk to ever go invasive. Most scans aren’t even sensitive enough to pick up, MRI being the best. I can imagine amputation (no feeling to breast or nipple for life) and prosthetics for precancer but it is a personal choice and a lot other factors can play into it.

I was given the choice of a mastectomy vs. lumpectomy + radiation. I had tunnel vision, as I was so focused on conservation that mastectomy was not even an option so I dismissed the thought immediately. That was January 2023, after having the lumpectomy and 26 rounds of radiation, I'm not sure I would have made that decision so quickly. Recovery from the lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes weren't that bad. I ended with my left breast smaller than my right, so symmetry is something I didn't consider in my decision making process. Also, by the end of daily radiation over the course of 6 weeks, my left breast looked like a burnt biscuit! the skin underneath the breast cracked and my entire breast started to separate from my chest wall. Painful to say the least! It took a considerable amount of TLC to promote healing of the skin and chest wall. I'm sure there's pros & cons with every decision made no matter what you opt for, my advice would be to not be close-minded like I was before making any decision. Know all the facts, weigh all your options and do what feels best for you! I hope this helps and pray blessings for your complete recovery.

I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction eight years ago. At. first the surgeon discouraged me from removing a healthy breast,but supported my decision. I tend to have side effects from many medications. Have not had any complications. Only took extra strength Tylenol for pain post surgery. Have never regretted my decision.