Lumpectomy vs mastectomy

My aunt had a mastectomy & the cancer returned. However, with a mastectomy, they cannot do mammograms. Just make the decision that is right for you as it’s a very personal decision. I just had my lumpectomy this past Tuesday & I’m still healing. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

I am sorry to hear that about your aunt! Never assumed after doctors visit that cancer might return after mastectomy! UGH ! I guess I am the most stressing about radiation! Left side , heart underneath, lungs .... how not to think about these things or any like them .... that is my problem ! Wishing you complete healing and peace!

Ty, here in 2023 still so much we don’t know. I’m ER positive, told about radiation, but since I just had surgery this week, I’m few weeks out from that. I was very fortunate as mine was caught very early. I have read left side most common place, i still have a small stable blood clot from a saddle pulmonary embolism in 2019. I just try to take 1 day at a time, give thanks to God for each and for the many who have been cheering me on. While this journey is early, last year I fractured my back, so there it just seems like it’s been 1 thing after another, yet I know how blessed I am & I’m trying to hold onto the good things. Hopefully better days are ahead, if not, I have found so many encouragers here while I am new in this journey. And people who have already know what we’ve gone through. ❤️ That truly helps. Wishing & praying healing & peace for you. ❤️

Hi!

Four years post diagnosis — bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction — diagnosed June 2019 - DMX September 2019 -

As others have noted this is a very personal decision and everyone is different — we all make the best decision we can based on the information we have at that moment — so much has changed for the better in just the four years since my diagnosis —

- age 62 excellent health at diagnosis
- found during manual exam by PCP - no indications in past annual mammograms including most recent
- confirmed carcinoma using ultrasound followed by biopsy
- right breastbearly stage ICC (Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma) treated same as IDC
- options at initial diagnosis included lumpectomy w/radiation; single mastectomy; bilateral mastectomy
- subsequent MRI of both breasts prior to surgery showed additional nodules not found in ultrasound — total of three in right breast and single suspicious nodule in left breast
- lumpectomy no longer an option
- opted for bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction
- surgery pathology report showed three early stage carcinoma in right breast - left breast nodule was non-cancerous

I am at peace with my decision for DMX — my anxiety level was just too high thinking of going in every 6 months for a mammogram and other tests to “watch” the nodule in my left breast —

Many women opt for a different path — You will receive information from your team and your support system and make your decision with what you can be most at peace with —

Cancer is insidious! We know recurrence can occur at any time and we remain vigilant —

Have a team you can trust — be surrounded by those you love — stay strong!

You will get through this 🙂