Lumpectomy??

I had IDC stage 1a in 2022 and because the cancer was very small, I opted for lumpectomy. I had 19 sessions of radiation after and endocrine therapy (Zoladex, Letrozole, 2 years) then switched to Tamoxifen. I have been NED since. I say, whatever helps you sleep at night for your decision and do what you want, not what others are doing/ have done. I feel confident in my decision but does the fear ever really completely go away, no. However, I exercise, eat very healthy, stopped drinking alcohol and practice stress management and live my life in confidence of health while also continuing 6 month Oncology check ups.

I had a lumpectomy three years ago for the removal of a rare neuroendocrine tumor in my left breast. The scar is barely visible, due to location, and healed easily. However, I still have some pain and stiffness towards the armpit, but stretch every day. I had 15 radiation sessions and am on letrozole. All of this has been fine--some minor fatigue with radiation. Even with a mastectomy you might be offered estrogen inhibitors if appropriate. The outcomes, I was told, are close to identical for lumpectomy/radiation and mastectomy. What are your concerns? Have you tried journaling the pros and cons--for you--of each option? Since outcomes are similar (unless you've been told otherwise), basically you can make this decision based on what you think will be best for you emotionally. I'm very happy with the lumpectomy as I have large breasts and a huge amount of scarring on my torso due to an earlier emergency pulmonary surgery. However, I know several women who are satisfied with the mastectomy. Keep in touch if you want to as your decision making evolves.

I had a lumpectomy 2 months ago and am so happy having done that! Several docs called for a mastectomy (their opinion: better safe than sorry in cash more tumors decide to show their face; my opinion: I don't suspect that more tumors will come within the next 5-10 years, and I am happy with that). Other docs said partial mastectomy. I chose a new oncologist who had given me second opinions before, and I hoped she would break the tie. But she actually changed everything: Said my taking anastrozole shrunk my tumors (in one breast, 1 DCIS, 2 IDC, 1 atypical thing) to nothing, can't be found on any imaging, so she recommended lumpectomy. Done. Titanium clips removed, no cancer found anywhere in that breast, can't even tell by looking at my breast that I had the surgery, except for that breast is a teeny bit smaller than the non-cancer breast. I was thrilled with the outcome, still can't see any cancer at all in either breast. Had radiation 5 x . I'm doing great. Remember: doctors have opinions, and they don't always agree with one another, and somebody is wrong, therefore. Work with someone you trust, do what you think is best, and it will work out fine. There is a reason you trust that doctor, and there is a reason they have high ratings - it's because they are good at what they do and don't take the easy way out. Much luck to you.