Hi all, I’m new to this forum. Was diagnosed with invasive lobular grade 2 (E+, Pr+, HER-) in May, with 3 areas identified in my left breast, though all small (largest only 12mm). 6 yrs ago had a lumpectomy on my right breast for DCIS/LCIS, followed by a course of radiotherapy. Didn’t have any chemo or drugs, but this time around I have been put on Letrazole (I’m post menopausal). Trying to decide now whether to go for a lumpectomy with reconstruction, single mastectomy or double. I got my BRCA gene test results today and they were negative, which is great news, but it makes my decision about which op to go for less clear. Would be interested to hear from anyone else who has struggled with this decision.
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Welcome to the forum Aisling. Maybe you could also post in the surgery section of the forum to get people experiences ? Surgery
Best of luck with your treatment whatever you decide . Best wishes Jill x
Thanks for the tip, Jill, will do! X
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I was diagnosed last year at 24.
In my right breast ER + PR+ HER-
3.5cm invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
I opted for a single mastectomy with possible preventative left mastectomy. As my consultant because of my age wanted to wait for my gene testing.
In the end because of 2 lymphnodes being involved I knew with or without the gene I wanted the left mastectomy too. You’ve really got to look at what you want from surgery other than just getting rid of the tumour.
Do you want your breasts? Do you mind living flat? Could you work with prosthetics? Its a big decision so ride the waves of feelings and thoughts. Research. Find others on social media I have found the power of tiktok so helpful finding other women from all over going through this.
For me being a bigger breasted individual I wasnt attached to my breasts. For me it was my life and mental wellbeing. I knew if I didnt remove them both my anxiety of reoccurrence would eat me up.
I feel because now im living flat I can clearly feel any lumps and bumps that may come back. And be aware of any changes.
Its not an easy decision but just really think about whats important for you. What it is you want. Dont let the consultants or surgeons tell you otherwise as mine kept asking me if I wanted reconstruction and every time they were very surprised when I said no.
Luckily because of my age even though I do not have the BRCA gene I was given the go ahead to have my left mastectomy and I have no regrets. Living flat and proud!
I hope whatever decision you make the treatment goes well and wishing you a steady recovery. You got this 
All the best 
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Hi Aisling,
Completely understand your dilemma. I may be considerably older than you with a different view on my breasts but having had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy the first time grade 3 - 18mm DCIS invasive positive er/pr negative HER, when it reoccurred 12 years later, same diagnosis again 19mm in the same left breast with the breast pitted with DCIS cells I decided to have a mastectomy and go flat. I am currently waiting for the genetics results but hopeful to keep one breast. If I were your age I would have gone for reconstruction but unfortunately due to other surgeries reconstruction now at 68 is neither an option or desire. I’m managing fine with one breast and prosthesis when I go out. At home I don’t bother and it doesn’t concern my husband. He’s just thankful, like me, I’m still here 
Good luck with everything and remember that if you do have a mastectomy you can always have reconstruction later if you don’t want it immediately. Always a good idea to have a good chat with the oncology nurses and those on here who have been through the same.
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Thanks for the replies, Kirstie and Brightside. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression that I am young, I did say I am post menopausal, in fact I am 64! Surprised that you both went for the flat option, especially you Kirstie, when you are so young! I think I have decided now that I will go for the double, but I’m not sure I would be considering it if I hadn’t been offered immediate reconstruction. The length of the op scares me, particularly at my age, but nevertheless it feels right for me. I know everyone looks at it differently, and we must decide what is right for us as individuals. Reading what others have said and writing down on here my own situation has helped me to make up my mind, so thank you all!
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Hi Aisling I don’t know if you’ve made you’re decision yet. I had the same cancer as you 10 years ago I had a mastectomy on left side and reconstruction. (Lat Dorsi) 9 years on I discovered bone mets after an MRI for sciatica. (Not related) I was on Tamoxifen for eight years and had numerous gynaecological problems which ended up as endometrial cancer, possibly from the Tamoxifen! I had a total hysterectomy last year, before I knew I had stage iv (they didn’t scan me at that time!) If I knew then what I know now I may have chosen differently. I would urge you to look up Chris Wark chrisbeatcancer.com, Jane McLelland Howtostarvecancer.com and Kelly Turner radicalremission.com Also read their books. Many not doing surgery rads or chemo and getting rid of their cancer. Biopsies and surgery spread cancer cells. But there are things you can do to limit that if you go ahead with surgery. After 1 year I have nothing new, no growth, no spread and repair of bones. I am on Ribociclib and letrozole but also changed everything re Chris (diet juicing etc) and Kelly (10 radical remission factors) and implemented a lot of Jane’s advice. Good luck! To your healing! x
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