My surgeon put me for lumpectomy surgery and radiotherapy. Is there any chance of cancer returning as still remaining part of the breast or is a safe operation? Should I chose a total removal of breast or going on with lumpectomy plan? Thanks
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Hey @vio I was given the choice of lumpectomy and mascectomy. My surgeon said either was a good choice for me. I was sure I wanted the whole boob off but after lots of discussion with surgeon and BCN decided on lumpectomy as the tumor was really small and stage 1 in my case. They told me they get the same outcome with a lumpectomy and radiotherapy as with a mascectomy now. Were you given the option of both?
I would ask for a further appointment to fully discuss your situation with them so you know you’re making the right decision for you. Sending lots of love it’s hard!! Xx
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There are no guarantees either way, but they say having the lumpectomy is as effective as having a mastectomy.
Was the advice I was given, it is a tough choice to make at a time where you are already vulnerable. You can always go back to your nurses as many times as you like
For information and reassurance x
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Thank you Katie91. The surgeon said he can take off just a part of breast as cancer is contained and still small. Do you feel better now? Your recuperation after lumpectomy was easier? I’m so grateful for any response as I’m so confused now
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I found my recovery very easy. The worst was the stinging but as most will tell you that’s from the SNLB which is where they take lymph nodes to check them. Do you know if you’re having that too? The actual lumpectomy site I’ve felt very minimal pain from. I was up and about the following day and out working 4 days later. I have a physical job but didn’t too much lifting. It’s all healed well and fairly even too. It’s very confusing and there’s no right or wrong answer. Xx
The surgeon said he will likely take two lymph nodes out: the sentinel and another one…
For me personally keeping my breast was incredibly important. Due to other areas being found it was at one point suggested I could have a mastectomy instead of waiting for more tests but I did not want this if at all possible. It’s a personal choice, but I’m pleased that I was able to have a lumpectomy and radiotherapy which is as effective. I do also recognise how fortunate I was to have a choice. x
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Thank you for your insight into this unique experience.
Does radiotherapy is painful or something so scary as chemo?
Depending on the size / type / grade of cancer mastectomy may be offered as a choice and at other times it will be the only option . If you haven’t been offered a mastectomy then they are pretty sure that you don’t need one . I also was not offered mastectomy as my tumour was very small and slow growing but I did ask about it as I would have been willing to have it if it had improved my odds but they said it didn’t and everything I have read since then has confirmed that. Wishing you well xx
I found radiotherapy to be straightforward. The appointments were quick and there is no pain. I had a very slight amount of pinkness on my skin and had a weekend where I was very tired so rested a lot and this quickly passed. x
@vio .
I had a lumpectomy done on Jan 5th along with a SLNB and almost 3 weeks later am fully recovered and scars have healed well .
Didn’t really need any pain killers and arm exercises have been fine to do .
Probably the worst symptom for me was an itchy boob as the wounds healed 
xx
Hi vio,
Thanks for posting.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be overwhelming and it’s understandable that you have questions about the surgery you have been offered as treatment.
Your treatment team will recommend the type of surgery for you depending on the type and size of the cancer, where it is in the breast and whether more than one area of the breast is affected. It will also depend on the size of your breast.
Long-term survival and rates of local recurrence are the same for lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) followed by radiotherapy as for mastectomy.
You may find our information on surgery for breast cancer of interest.
As @katie91 says you may wish to ask for an additional appointment to talk this over with your surgeon or you could also ask your breast care nurse to talk you through the treatment again and answer any questions you have.
It may help to write a list of questions and things you want to discuss and you might want to take someone with you to the appointment who can listen to what’s being said and help you remember afterwards.
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