Lumpectomy + radiation VS Mastectomy -- pros cons?

@jjmoon, welcome. As replies to your specific questions regarding lumpectomy WITH radiation vs mastectomy, you might also be interested in these related discussions:

- Lumpectomy without radiation vs Mastectomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lumpectomy-without-radiation-vs-mastectomy/
- Lumpectomy with radiation vs mastectomy for stage 1 invasive plus DCIS https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lumpectomy-with-radiation-vs-mastectomy-for-stage-1-invasive-plus-dcis/
- Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy & Reconstructive Surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lumpectomy-vs-mastectomy-reconstructive-surgery/

See all related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/?search=Lumpectomy%20and%20radiation%20&index=discussions

I had radiation and a lumpectomy however, my radiation was first then I had my surgery. The radiation wasn't bad, but I did get burned and the Dr. prescribed Silvadene for that. At the very beginning of my diagnosis, I started chemo then radiation then surgery. I am now on an AI and doing well.

This may be a tough one to answer because everyone reacts differently. I had intermediate grade idc and made the decision to do lumpectomy over mastectomy. Have questioned this decision many times but research shows little difference in long term survival between lumpectomy and mastectomy. I did do chemo because of positive oncotype test (so would have been there even if elected mastectomy) and then radiation - 3 weeks whole breast and 5 “boost” treatments to the tumor area. I went through this relatively unscathed - no burning, some discomfort, a couple areas of damage to the lung tissue (may or may not cause future problems)and pain in the breast for about 6 months after treatment. They had me moisturize the area daily during and for a month after treatment but now have to continue that or the tissue starts to discolor and change because of the radiation. The recommendation is that I do this for life because “radiation - the gift that keeps on giving”. I know other women have had many more problems from radiation but for me, if all I have to do is keep it moisturized, not a big deal. So knowing what I know now, I would still do the lumpectomy and radiation.

When I initially saw my breast surgeon I made it very clear that I did not want radiation treatment. The surgeon just glossed over what I said so I repeated my self and said I was very, very concerned about radiation with other health issues. So the surgeon suggested lumpectomy with breast reduction. The surgeon did not explain what a breast reduction would entail, I received that info from the plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon explained the procedure and looked at me and said "I see many breast and your are just fine for your height." He went on to say that is a huge healing time as the cut around the areola and move it up, you end up with a t-closure and the bottom on the breast. Full healing time is 6-12 months. No thanks. He said if I didn't like the dent in the breast later on after all treatment he could inject fat. All of these decisions are very personal. You want clean margins.

Hello.
DCIS right breast thriver here! I chose to do a double mastectomy with reconstruction! It was the best thing I could have chosen to do.
I did the mastectomy and had expanders placed on the same day. Surgery time was longer but recovered well! It was the filling of the expanders (stretching of the skin) weekly or biweekly that was somewhat grueling but well worth it.
My surgeon did not recommend lumpectomy due to radiation side effects. However, 4 rounds of chemo was the recommended treatment plan post-mastectomy.
Having been diagnosed with "C" was not easy but, I had a positive experience with my medical care and treatment. I was glad I took this pathway towards healing, recovery, and thriving.

I was 79 when I had a year of chemo and 6 weeks, 5 days of week after a lumpectomy. The radiation wasn't bad other than losing my hair. It came back in nicer than any hair I had ever had. I'm 83 now and the oncologist said there is no sign of cancer returning