Anyone had a lumpectomy then decide to have mastectomy? Dcis stage 0,

Posted by flowergal @flowergal, Jun 16 7:09am

I will know more after next mammogram and MRI this fall, but my after surgery mammogram was not clean. I believe I posted earlier that the "think" I have fatty Necrosis under the lumpectomy scar, it is sore and uncomfortable if leaned on etc. Then they see more calcifications on the other breast that have to be watched. The hormone drugs are so difficult I'm trying a new one.
But I would rather not have breasts and be able to take care of my grandchildren. So thinking if in the fall there is anything suspicious I would want a mastectomy and go off drugs.
Anyone else do this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

No, I had ductal breast Ca 25 yrs. ago. Then I noticed my nipple looked different & bottom line, I absolutely needed mastectomy. Breast was filled w/Ca. This was the same breast where I had ductal Ca earlier. I did get radiation treatment 25 yrs. ago.

REPLY

@flowergal
Not me personally, but friend just did. She had lumpectomy initially. Then she did genetic testing and found out she had gene that made her at higher risk.

So even though her cancer had not returned, she had mastectomy and reconstruction. She had problems with healing after reconstruction, but that was due to other issues.

In her case, in case insurance covered because of gene. Not sure how insurance covers if no cancer reoccurrences. They may denine if preventative. Discuss with provider, if medically necessary insurance should cover.

REPLY

Hi! @flowergal

I am so sorry for the dilemma that you are in:( Even though I don't have such experience, one of my close friends had and I hope the following story of hers may help in some ways....

In 2009 she had a case of DCIS (which is Stage 0) and had the malignant area removed. She went through radiation treatment after that surgery. Unfortunately, in 2019 she had another tumor and iffy stuff in the other breast so she went through a double mastectomy; however her oncologist still recommended her to take hormone therapy treatment to prevent the carcinoma appearing in other place(s) in her body. After experiencing harsh side effects of various AI medications, she is now switched to tamoxifen - even though she is post menopause.

Our prayers are with you to make the best decision for you. Best wishes for you on the journey ahead to enjoy your family!

REPLY

Yes, I did. I had lumpectomy IDC in 2021 and then in 2024 found another IDC in same breast. I was told I could have another lumpectomy for that, but I agonized over the decision and decided to do the MX because I did not want radiation - it turned out that I had DCIS in that breast also. So, I made a good decision I feel.

REPLY

No,but I think that is a wise choice. Very best of luck yo you.

REPLY
@lifetraveler

Hi! @flowergal

I am so sorry for the dilemma that you are in:( Even though I don't have such experience, one of my close friends had and I hope the following story of hers may help in some ways....

In 2009 she had a case of DCIS (which is Stage 0) and had the malignant area removed. She went through radiation treatment after that surgery. Unfortunately, in 2019 she had another tumor and iffy stuff in the other breast so she went through a double mastectomy; however her oncologist still recommended her to take hormone therapy treatment to prevent the carcinoma appearing in other place(s) in her body. After experiencing harsh side effects of various AI medications, she is now switched to tamoxifen - even though she is post menopause.

Our prayers are with you to make the best decision for you. Best wishes for you on the journey ahead to enjoy your family!

Jump to this post

Thank you for sharing her experience. It's helpful to understand all the variables that come with BC.

REPLY
@thora902

Yes, I did. I had lumpectomy IDC in 2021 and then in 2024 found another IDC in same breast. I was told I could have another lumpectomy for that, but I agonized over the decision and decided to do the MX because I did not want radiation - it turned out that I had DCIS in that breast also. So, I made a good decision I feel.

Jump to this post

Seems like the right decision. I would have done the same.
Hope you are doing well now. This disease can be a bumpy ride.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.