I have invasive ductal and invasive pleiomorphic lobular cancer in my right breast. I’ve had biopsies and an MRI. MRI shows just those areas and there’s space in between them.
Before the MRI I was given the choice of a mastectomy or a double lumpectomy. Now they recommend a double lumpectomy but in my head I was going to have a mastectomy. My sister had breast cancer two years ago and my aunt had recurrent and secondary breast cancer which was terminal.
I can still choose. Was anyone else in a similar position?
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When I was informed of my biopsy results I was told that had two areas of IDC and DCIS and that to remove ‘it’ I’d lose about 25% of my breast. I was also told that I could consider a mastectomy. My gut said mastectomy.
The following week I met the surgeon who said I’d need a mastectomy, though they did explain that the risk of recurrence was the same whether you have a mastectomy or lumpectomy. My head told me the less breast tissue I had the better. I then had an MRI scan of my breasts which revealed something in the other one. Biopsies revealed two more areas of DCIS. Told I could have wide local excision (lumpectomies) or mastectomy. I opted for the latter. I just wanted them both gone. I did have options about reconstruction - go flat, immediate reconstruction with implants or DIEP surgery where they use your own tissue to fashion replacements. I went for implants. I’d had chemo bedore surgery so the thought of a 12 hour op and 10-12 week recovery when I was running on empty had no appeal. I’m content with my decision and pleased with the results and
It is such a personal decision. Depends on our relationship with our breasts, our lives and experience of family and friends who have had BC. x
Hi, sorry to hear you are going through this. I found a lump which wasn’t seen on mammogram - but was confirmed on ultrasound and biopsy as 7mm lobular cancer. Then had an MRI and they spotted another 7mm cancer in the other breast - this time ductal. I ummed and aahed about whether to have double lumpectomy and radio, or double mastectomy. The consultant was pushing me down the lumpectomy route, saying that the life expectancy of either way was similar. In the end, I did decide to have a double lumpectomy. There are fewer operation risks plus no need for the decision over going flat vs reconstruction. That was 3 years ago and haven’t regretted it this far - but I suppose time will tell if there is a recurrence! I have been back a couple of times thinking I felt a new lump, but these turned out to be just breast or scar tissue. It’s not an easy decision to make, and wish you all the best.
Thank you for replying, I have decided to have a lumpectomy too x
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