I chose my BC surgeon based on recommendations from people I knew who were current patients and people in the medical community. I'm very happy with my decision to go with Dr. Linda LIu who is with Honor Health in Scottsdale and the Arizona Cancer Care Center AZCCC

Did you have a Lumpectomy one time, or was it necessary to have additional surgery in the same site. Or did you have a Mastectomy as the first and only choice ? How are you doing now, hope it is all very successful for you.
runninglakes

I am not sure this is addressed to me? But, I'm horning in anyway (excuse me if this is a thread of comments with another user)... I have had two lumpectomies. One many, many years ago (benign) and one 4 years ago (diagnosed as stage 0 or 'maybe you're going to get cancer). My latest confirmation of possible cancer was 1 1/2 years ago. Because the first two lumpectomies were in my left breast and the new 'problem' was detected in my right breast, that's when I opted for the bi lateral mastectomy, which showed stage 1 cancer. I have lobular cancer which is different than ductal in that it shows up in both breasts (an equal opportunity problem) and doesn't create lumps as such but more lines of cancer. It's harder to detect in mammograms and would require on-going MRI's....so I opted to de-rail the ongoing tests and frankly my nerves. My doctors supported my decision and it turned out to be wise because the pathology of my breast tissue showed multiple areas of developing lobular and ductal cancer. The whole process of finding and starting to treat the breast cancer was a period of about 6 years. I am doing well with my follow ups (no sign of returning cancer). I continue with 6 month follow ups for now (I was on 3 month follow ups). I have requested aggressive follow up including an MRI this Fall and blood tumor marker tests and etc. It's probably not necessary but I rest better at night. I am also unable to take the aromatase inhibitor drugs without serious side effects so I haven't been able to reduce my risk for recurrence as much as I'd like. I have stepped up my health care greatly to include attention to diet, exercise, vitamins and supplements (under the care of my doctor) and I hope those things are helping.

Thanks for the follow-up on your situation. You made the right choice in your surgery and the importance of diet, exercise, etc. all necessary to keep the body in good health. We can only try our best and the rest is not in our hands. Blessings runninglakes.