Lumpectomy without radiation vs Mastectomy

Posted by cgraft @cgraft, Jan 23 8:40pm

I have grade 1, Well Differentiated Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer. It is 9 mm. Because I can not have radiation after the Lumpectomy (I had radiation in 1999 for Hodgkins Disease) my Drs. want me to do a Mastectomy. I am 68 years old and have decided to do the Lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen. Is there anyone else in this group that has been in my situation?

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jaynep | @jaynep | Jan 24 8:07am

May I ask why Tamoxifen and not an aromatase inhibitor? We’re the same age and I thought Tamoxifen was usually for those who are not yet post-menopausal. I had a mastectomy after two lumpectomies because my surgeon couldn’t get clean margins. I hope all goes well for you.

cgraft | @cgraft | Jan 24 4:43pm

In reply to @jaynep "May I ask why Tamoxifen and not an aromatase inhibitor? We’re the same age and I..." + (show)

I can not take the other hormone therapy drugs because I have osteoporosis and those drugs cause bone loss.

nadejda | @nadejda | 6 days ago

I am 65, diagnosed with ILC 6mm. For me Tamoxifen is they choice therapy too due to the osteopenia. Lumpectomy, no Mastectomy and possibly no Radiation.

mpirruccel | @mpirruccel | 6 days ago

In reply to @jaynep "May I ask why Tamoxifen and not an aromatase inhibitor? We’re the same age and I..." + (show)

I was diagnosed at age 70 with a 3 mm size tomorrow, all removed with biopsy but had lumpectomy. Clear margins, no nodes involved. I have osteopenia and taking arimidex for at least 5 years but also taking fosamax to help prevent excessive bone loss from arimidex. Arimidex because I am post menopausal. Fosamax for 2 years then reassess as both AI and Fosamax give joint pain. Just starting otc turmeric for joint pain. No chemotherapy needed and chose no radiation.