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Stage 2 breast cancer: What treatments decisions did you have to make?

Posted by penpen @penpen, May 9, 2019

Just thinking how did you all decide between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy? I just don't know. I know I would not like to worry about this coming back but yet a mastectomy is sure a lot more to over come.

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cindylb | @cindylb | May 27, 2019

I had LCIS in my left breast and went with lumpectomy. Two years later I had invasive lobular cancer in the right. I chose bi lateral mastectomy because both breasts showed signs of trouble. This is lobular cancer which can be harder to find and is more likely to appear in both breasts. I am pleased with my decision. I wanted the clearest path to non recurrence possible. The mastectomy was scary and recovery took a while but it wasn't at all bad for me. I still worry, because I'm particularly good at worrying .......but I'd worry more if I hadn't taken this step and removed most of 'the problem'.

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | Jun 4, 2019
In reply to @penpen "So were you ok with the outcome of the radiation? I have been told not to..." + (show)
@penpen

So were you ok with the outcome of the radiation? I have been told not to do the radiation because it's so hard on your skin and what's underneath it.

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I had 30 treatments , skin irritation minor and toward the end . Simple lotion will help that . I thought it was easy to do . You really don’t feel the treatments . But you will get tired , few pains here and there maybe

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nataliehope | @nataliehope | Mar 6, 2020
In reply to @penpen "Yes, I am just taking that for 4 weeks then they did another bio, test and..." + (show)
@penpen

Yes, I am just taking that for 4 weeks then they did another bio, test and we are waiting for the results. If this drug is not working I will go on chemo. It's hard waiting for the results!!! I think I have decided to do a bilateral mastectomy sparing the nipple. I want to have all done in one surgery, no spanders stuff!!! What are you doing?

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Hi I am considering nipple sparing bilateral mastectomy, did you end up having it? What were you diagnosed with? I am 42 stage one, IDC, small tumor. What was your treatment plan are you happy with it?

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nataliehope | @nataliehope | Mar 8, 2020
In reply to @shellshocked "I am a five-year survivor of breast cancer. My choice was a total mastectomy and reconstruction...." + (show)
@shellshocked

I am a five-year survivor of breast cancer. My choice was a total mastectomy and reconstruction. I had a lump on my left breast, no lymph nodes appeared to be involved. I had three mammograms, two ultrasounds, and two biopsies. (I wanted to know exactly what was going on). I was not BRCA 2, and I worked with a Geneticist and found only one family member to have had breast cancer, and she was in her late 80s. I am so grateful for my decision! During surgery, 13 lymph nodes had to be removed under my left armpit and my lump was stage II. Had I chosen a lumpectomy, I’m not sure what the outcome would have been a few years down the road. Because of the size (smallness) of the lymph nodes and my breast tumor’s make- up, I did not have to undergo any radiation or chemo.
I did council extensively with all of my surgeons, Oncologist, and Oncology Social Worker about all of my options. I researched until I felt like a Dr myself...I know all of you understand!
After reading that the risk of cancer reacurrance was higher with a lumpectomy than with a mastectomy, it was an easy decision for me.
I am now a strong advocate for early detection, and support groups for women and men with Breast Cancer. It is a huge decision that only you can make. But is has to be an educated decision! Talk to women who have been through different surgeries and treatments, especially those who are several years out. Once you make your decision, it should be one that gives you peace of mind. Find a support group. Friends and family are essential, but so are other women who can truly relate to you and feel what you are feeling. Get phone numbers. Have someone you can call when a qestion pops up or you have one of those “moments”.
I cannot stress enough that this type of decision has to be your own, and it has to be an educated decision that applies to your situation, and please counsel extensively with all of your medical team and any family members you want involved.
You will make the right decision for you!!

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Hi, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am contemplating bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I am right now stage one small tumor, but I have family history, so I’m thinking get rid of everything now so I don’t have to think of it again I am only 42. What kind of reconstruction did you have did it pose any problems for you how many years post surgery are you? Thank you!

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nataliehope | @nataliehope | Mar 8, 2020
In reply to @lauradahl "I was just diagnosed 3 months ago with invasive ductal carcinoma and had to make the..." + (show)
@lauradahl

I was just diagnosed 3 months ago with invasive ductal carcinoma and had to make the same choice...I had a bilateral masectomy with reconstructive surgery at same time...have phase 2 coming up in June. My decision was determined because of a very strong family history.. and I have never looked back..had hyperplasia cells in other breast as it turned out.My family and friends whom had cancer prior were a huge factor in my decision...it is different having implants but really...It was not a terrible surgery at all! But having said this, like so many have said...everyone is different and you have to do what feels.best for you...we are so blessed for the medical care we have available now compared to 10 years ago!

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I have a similar diagnosis and I’m thinking to do the same treatment plan. How was your reconstruction? Did you do nipple sparing? Any complications?

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marannolson | @marannolson | Mar 16, 2020

I was stage 2b. I had a lumpectomy, 6 nodes removed and 33 radiation treatments. I had some skin burn but nothing compared to the alternative consequences. 3 years out this month and doing well.

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