Lumpectomy vs mastectomy

lpk,
I had a lumpectomy and radiation but as far as I know my cancer was confined to one area. This is just my opinion but if I were told that I had a "surprise" cancer cell else where I would request a mastectomy.
I am sorry that you have to make this very difficult decision.

Katrina

Ughhh I feel you!! I too am trying to make a decision. HER2+ early stage 2....no lymph node involvement, complete response with chemo...now to decide how to move forward.. I don't want radiation. So now looking at a direct to implant with dbl mastectomy, prepectoral implants.... Nipple and skin sparing. From what I gathered this is my best choice considering I am NOT wanting any major incisions, nerve / skin grafts or muscle cutting...eeek!
Best of luck to you, it's all so individualized so hard to find people that have the exact situation.

God Bless!

clynnford,

Did you say that you are considering a dbl mastectomy, but you don't want any major incisions? Aren't there major incisions with a mastectomy?
I only had a lumpectomy, so I am not very familiar with mastectomy surgery.

@lpk28
Welcome to Mayo Connect!
I think most of us are somewhat confused when we get the breast cancer diagnosis.
First- surgery in 3 months does not sound right.
I assume you didn’t have the option to have a lumpectomy.
I also had IDC- 31 years ago.
Due to the size of the mass I had to have mastectomy- and chemo. I asked the surgeon to remove the other breast too. The answer was no- it was not common then unless there was another reason.
I had reconstruction at the same time and implant replaced many years later.
I’m still upset that I couldn’t have a double mastectomy.
The chest never looks normal and every year I almost had a nervous breakdown when it was time for the mammogram.
I hope you will hear from other members too.
You may want to get a second opinion. Surgery in 3 months is not normal.

Hello!
So this is my story. 2012 DCIS grade 0. I wanted a double mastectomy, I was not allow, because it was simple and curable and I was only 38 y/o. Had a lumpectomy and radiation. 2021 came back, same breast DCIS. Only option then double mastectomy with reconstruction. After the patology came back, I had an invasive cancer, that was never seen. I received 16 chemotherapies. And yes my surgery was about three months after my diagnosis but right now I cannot remember why. I recommend double mastectomy. I was 9 years going back for mammograms and sonograms, always thinking will it come back and it did. I know we cannot be living with what if... But yes I always ask myself. So please take an informed decision. Stay strong!

Mastectomy avoids radiation in many cases. That was one big reason I had a mastectomy. But I am older, don't have a partner, and my cancer was grade 3 with lymphovascular invasion so for me mastectomy was clearly the way to go. I am almost 9 years out.

I requested that my other breast be removed. We have a legal right to symmetry, apparently. I told them my breast "felt funny." It was full of cysts, but also atypical ductal hyperplasia which means higher risk of cancer.

I have "gone flat" with no reconstruction. These are very personal decisions!

They do a procedure where they cut under the breast, basically fold everything back, take out all the hreast tissue. Replace it with a implant on top of the muscle then fold skin with nipple back over and stitch up the incision which is like under your breast where the bra line is. So smiley face incision under each breast. Amazing what is being done these days...

I had a DBL Mastectomy. Why? Early on i was told my lump was big enough that to have clear margins my left breast would not look right. I was not large busted. Had I had big breasts and no Genetic mutation, I would have had a lumpectomy. There is a lot posted on women who had surgery after a lumpectomy to make both sides match.
Once they started on my chemo to shrink my tumor, I had been told from my genetic test that I had Brca2. This changed my chemo and my left breast, nipple to would be removed. Skin sparing though, so everything looks like me when you look at me. (I will say the amount of bruising was crazy. I wondered if my skin would die) I was assured i looked normal after the surgery. I had an expander put in. I was SUPPOSED to get radiation. That Dr. reviewed all my info and said based on the fact I am BRCA 2 and now HER2 positive, as my tumor changed that from HER2- to HER2+ (I must have been on the border) after surgery, he said i would have a 2% better chance to not get cancer again. With all the info he gave me he sai if I was family, he would tell me not to do it. The side effects could be worse than getting a 2% improved life.
I was to get the other breat removed, then I was found to have a blood clot. From Feb 2022-Dec 28, 2022. I had the end side removed. I removed due to the risk of BRCA 2
Both were skin sparing, both nipples removed ad both with implants on top of the muscle.

@clynnford - that would have been my preference for my dbl mastectomy it wasn't an option for me, I did ask because I had read about that type of procedure. Not sure if that was because of my type of BC or not a procedure my surgeon would perform, but it wasn't an option. I was told I was a candidate for expanders - which I did not want. I didn't want to spend my time going to appts and then to have to have another surgery to replace and have implants inserted. I was 69 at the time and I therefore decided to go flat. When I go out is about the only time I were my prothesis; but I don't wear them when I'm home. It is so freeing and more comfortable in the hot summer weather.

What was the name of the procedure performed and how did you find your surgeon that could perform that procedure? That would be helpful information for individuals that need dbl mastectomy and would like that more one and done type procedure.

I think each person has to make decision that is right for them. I was recently diagnosed with idc & given option of mastectomy or lumpectomy and I chose the lumpectomy so I could continue having mammograms. However, my aunt also had a mastectomy thinking she would not get breast cancer again and it came back again in that same breast. Fortunately, she recovered again. After a mastectomy, she couldn’t have mammograms, so had I not had this family history I might would have chosen differently. You never know what you may face, but my thoughts & prayers are with you all for continued recovery as it seems an impactful process. My surgery is Tuesday & for today I’m at peace and grateful that I have this another day.