Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy
Hi!
I've recently been diagnosed (67 years young) and am in the stage of deciding what to do to treat my breast cancer. My tumor is about the size of a peanut (2.0 x 1.9cm) and I am fairly small breasted (36B). Both my oncologist and surgeon have said I'm a candidate for lumpectomy but the idea of having the surgery, margins not coming back clear, having to repeat surgery and then going through radiation before the ability for reconstructive surgery is just nerve racking for me. I'm leaning towards a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time. When I had my MRI done they also found a small mass on the right side of which I'm waiting for my biopsy in 5 days. I would love to connect with other women that made the decision to have a mastectomy and reconstruction from the start to "get it out and over with". Thanks everyone for being here. This is a scary time but I know there are good days ahead!
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Hi @nowwow26 , welcome to the community. We're glad you found your way here, though sorry for the reason.
Choosing between lumpectomy and mastectomy can feel overwhelming, especially if you're awaiting biopsy results as well. Youโre asking thoughtful questions, and reaching out to connect with others whoโve faced the same choices is a great step.
You may also find this article from our main site helpful as you think through your options:
Wishing you clarity and support as you move forward.
Warmly,
The Mods
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Hi @nowwow26
Welcome to this club no one wants to join. We're sorry you have had to join us, but glad you have found us to walk with you on this journey.
The decision between a lumpectomy and mastectomy is a very personal one. Only YOU can make that difficult decision. There is no "right" answer. I always recommend that people follow their 'gut'. Once you make the decision, it is the RIGHT decision for you. No looking back.
I have actually made the decision twice (diagnosed separately with new cancer on each side almost 20 years apart). In my case, it was pretty easy. The first time I had DCIS that was so widespread they weren't sure how much would be left, though they still offered to do it. The 2nd time, even before I went in to see the surgeon, I knew I wasn't messing around since my body seemed to know how to make cancer.
It sounds like you are leaning towards a mx with recon. If so, you should set up a consultation with a GOOD PS to know what your options might be. The most important part of any recon is to be sure the PS is good at what they do and has happy patients. This might also help in your decision, so you know what your recon options are and what is involved. Even having the recon at the same time as a mx, there is usually other surgeries/procedures that do follow. It is also sometimes difficult to coordinate the breast surgeon and PS to both be together at the same time. It's just important that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you.
Good luck with your decision making and know that once made, it is the right one for you.
Take Care.
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I had a lumpectomy several months ago and the doctor told me she had not gotten all the cancer. she gave me a choice of another lumpectomy (saying she still might not get it all) or a mastectomy. I had a single mastectomy. They weren't willing or able to do reconstruction at the same time. so that is something for you to look into. You may have to have more surgery for reconstruction. I just scheduled my reconstruction. It will be five months after the mastectomy. good luck. It's not fun but helps to know so many other women have gone through it.
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I was just (1/16/26) diagnosed with very small invasive ductile carcinoma stage 1, grade 3, triple negative. I was presented with both options and more testing. I thought I would just want a lumpectomy, but after learning more and waiting on genetic testing a mastectomy is still an option. It is hard to make the right decision. We can only make the best decision in this moment.
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what does your surgeon say? I know it's your decision but mine gave me hints on what direction to go. After I had the lumpectomy and she didn't git it all I decided on single mastectomy largely because another lumpectomy would mean radiation and I didn't want that on my left side where my heart is. In your case, I'm far from an expert but triple negative is not good, right?
did they tell you whether they would want to do radiation or chemo - in either case? with lumpectomy or with mastectomy?
I wish you well. these decisions are very hard
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@mary9999 I was given both options with standard survival rates. I will get radiation with a lumpectomy. I will also get chemo with a lumpectomy. But the surgeon wants to see the MRI results and genetic testing before giving a recommendation or me making up my mind. Triple negative does not sound good and why I would need chemo and why I am getting genetic testing. Thank you for your well wishes.
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there are many more knowledgeable here than I. but I did get genetic testing and it ruled out the breast cancer gene. In light of that I didn't need chemo which was huge for me.
I would rather lose a breast than have chemo but to each her own. Wish you the best
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I had 11 rounds of taxol vhemo and 4 rounds of EC Chemo and now I have to decide too between a lumpectomy (50%) or mastectomy...
This Wednesday I have a talk to the PS but all options I got presented from my onkologist have pro's and con's...
My tumor shrinked from 5cm to 2,8cm and I have a small breast too @nowwow26 and I'm 40years old...
So I can feel your worries - I have the same.
It was a shock to hear that after 15rounds of chemo the want to take minimum 50%of my left breast.
Radiation they are planning as well - my lymphnodes were suspicios and so <10 are planned to be removed and so radiation is standard also with a mk.
I just can pray for wisdom for my doctors - that they will give me good advice๐๐๐
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@triplepositive5 these are hard decisions and I found the doctors don't tell you what to do. It's your decision but they will give you guidance. If you decline mastectomy and they remove 50% of your breast, will you get some sort of reconstruction? If so, I think I'd go with mastectomy.
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