Hi ladies, I’m new to the forum (after lurking in the background reading all the posts for a few weeks!)
I was diagnosed last week with a 3cm tumour in my left breast, the initial tests (mammogram & ultrasound) showed that it was very likely contained and hadn’t spread, but I had to have a CT scan and MRI scan just to confirm. It’s been the longest week waiting for the results, but been back today and they’re all clear so the medical team is very positive that this is treatable by surgery, chemo then possibly rads.
I just have to decide what surgery I want to have now, as the doc says that medically either a mastectomy or a lumpectomy would be just as successful – however because of the size of the tumour (3cm) compared to the size of my breast, plus it’s located quite central and near to my nipple, cosmetically a lumpectomy wouldn’t look great afterwards as there’d be a fairly big dint in it, and my nipple will probably have to be removed.
I have a meeting with my BCN tomorrow to chat more about this.
I’d be interested to hear anyone’s thoughts on either of these ops, so I can try and weigh up which way to go.
I’m feeling very positive about beating this cruel illness (although I’m sure there’ll be ups and downs over the next few months!).
hope to hear back from anyone who has been in the same situation xxx
Hi FabForty, sorry you are having to join us here, and it’s all a bit of a whirlwind to begin with isn’t it. I’m 45, had a 2.5cm lump which was removed last May - lumpectomy, then chemo then radiotherapy. Unlike you I didn’t have a choice regarding surgery, I was told it would be a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy, and at that stage I just put my trust in the consultant that the correct decisions were being made. Sorry I can’t help you with your choice between the 2 different surgeries, perhaps you could ask your BCN what they would choose do if they were in your shoes, then ask them for their reasons for that choice? I think this must be a very difficult decision to have to make. Hopefully some other ladies who have had a similar choice will pitch in with their views. Take care. scottiedog x
Hi and welcome…not exactly the same, mine was 1.2 cm when ultra sound but 2.2 cm when removed…I had a lumpectomy plus 6 nodes removed…but my lump was in the bigger breast…quiet large boobs…now that bigger one is slightly smaller and more perkier…
It’s not just the lump removed, it’s also the surrounding 1cm margin…but they have said they can do the other side to match if I feel the difference is to much…maybe something to think about
Hi, Sorry you have had to join us here, but hopefully over the weeks, months, you will find it a very positive forum to join, I had a lumpectomy and 22 nodes removed back on 17th Dec, Seeing my onc today to start 6 sessions of chemo then 36 rads at the end, unfortunately they didn´t manage to clear my margins, therefore I also stand the possibilty of still having to go through a masectomy, from my point of view I wasn´t offered a choice but wish I was as I definately would have gone for the mas, I am 42 yrs old.
Good luck, Keep in touch,
Luv
Teresa x
Hello everyone, I was diagnosed yesterday with breast cancer and have a 5cm tumour in my right breast, I was offered a mastectomy but opted for a lumpectomy. I lost my sister and aunt to breast cancer and my mum to ovarian cancer all on the maternal side and was told I am possibly a cancer gene carrier. Hopefully once treatment is finished I can have the gene testing done. Well it certainly puts a diferent perspective on things. What amazed me is how very, very busy the breast clinic is and how many women are affected by breast problems of all ages, I couldn’t believe the amount of women coming into the clinic to be seen; when I left women were still coming in for appointments. My op is on the 23rd, it feels like I am now starting a different journey but am feeling strong and optimistic that everything is going to be alright…Goodluck to everyone of you ladies xx
Hi my tumour was around 4cm according to the scan and directly above/behind my nipple. My surgeon said I could opt for either Masectomy or lumpectomy. after disussions with my bcn I opted for lumpetomy. I did have to sign that I understand I may need further surgery but for me it was a chance worth taking. If he can get the tumour out and get the margins at least it leaves me with a breast.
I had the lumpectomy on Tuesday this week. I have taken off the dressings today and whilst I have an ugly scar and my breast is a funny shape- a bit lopsided. However when I put my supportive bra on (as advised) there is not that much difference and believe it or not that not noticable (and thats only after two days of surgery). I am told it will get even better. I am ‘big breasted’ anyhow so maybe that helps. I do think its a personal decision to make and I may have to lose my breast after all when I get the results but at least I have given it a chance!
Hi everyone, thanks so much for your comments, it’s good to hear different sides to this.
I had a good meeting with my BCN today and we went through all the options. My gut feeling (even before diagnosis last week) was that I’d have an MX, and now having talked about it in more detail I’m still going to go down this route.
I know it’s going to be a tough few months ahead, but I’m feeling really positive and in very good hands.
My partner is being really supportive aswell, so I’m very lucky that there’s no pressure there to try to save some of my breast.
There’s also been a cancellation, so I’ve been offered an appoinment to have the op next Thursday! Eeeeeek!
I’ve been mulling it over all day and have decided I’m going to go for it - if I leave it another 2-3 weeks, it’s just longer to worry about it all, but by having it next week I’ll be on the road to recovery sooner!
Going away for the weekend tomorrow to have a final blow out before the serious stuff starts!
xx
Hi all
My tumour was 3cm and I had lumpectomy and lymph node removal last Oct. Mine was also near the surface and I lost a little of the nipple. The breat is only slightly smaller and has a slight ski slope appearance but I’m very pleased with the results. I did say to the surgeon that he could just whip the breast off but he said it wasn’t necessary and was thinking of my future (I’m 42). I’m glad I just had lumpectomy. Now on chemo with rads to follow.
Julia xx
hi,i had a 17mm tumour and 1 lymph node,i had a lumpectomy then had to have a mascectomy because i didnt have clear margins but my second op came back clear.be prepared for more possibly surgery if you have a lumpectomy,i am sorry you are goin throug this xxxxxdawn
I had a lumpectomy and got narrow margins I then went in and had further surgery to widen the margins and kept my breast. This time the margins were ok so now going forward with chemo etc. I think you have to do what is right for you I am pleased with my breast just a slight delve but glad I went for lumpectomy x
Hello fabforty.
I was diagnosed last Sept, my lump was positioned behind the nipple I am not a big breasted lady so right from the onset a mast was advised, I did have immed recon, which was tissue expansion using implant, which in my case helped me physcologically, and so far I am pleased with the appearance
it isn’t an easy decision for you and you have to go with your gut feeling, good luck in your decision.
x
thanks for all the comments.
I had an awful night’s sleep last night, my breast was tender and painful and I had aches across my shoulders, and uncontrollable trembling at times - I’ve spoken to the docs and they say its due to the stress of it all.
I had a call from the consultant’s secretary this morning asking me if I want the surgery appointment next Thursday, and if so could I go in for pre-op assessments today. So 30 mins after waking up, I was speeding across town in a taxi to the hospital!
Everything is seeming a bit real now, the next time I go to the hospital will be at 7am on Thursday for the op. I’m a bit anxious, but relieved that things are moving so quickly and I’ll soon be on the road to recovery.
Off for a weekend away now, to try and forget about it for a day or so - I’m sure it’ll take a few shandies to make sure I get a good night’s sleep!
take care everyone and hope you all have a relaxing weekend
x
Hi, I decided on mastectomy and flap reconstruction, diagnosed 28th Jan and going in on Monday 15th for op. Then chemo and whatever needs doing next. Like you one of my tumours is central and just above the nipple and the other to the side. I wanted it all out as invasive lobular is difficult to spot and this gives me more reassurance. My BC nurse is fab and I had lots of time to think, shown lots of pictures, I feel I made the right choice for me.
Waiting for Monday! Hope you get all the advice and support to make and informed choice. Good Luck and Take Care in these confusing times!!
Hi Tina, just seen your post on another thread about buddying up, so hopefully we can keep in touch throughout our journey.
Wishing you all the best for your op tomorrow, I imagine you’re feeling a bit anxious right now, but just wanted to let you know you’re in my thoughts.
Positive thoughts for us all!
Leah
x
Good luck for next Thursday Fabforty. I have just had a double mastectomy, I had 8 lesions in left breast scattered al over, so was told I had to have mastectomy anyway, but I opted to have the right breast removed as I have too many years (hopefully) ahead of me to worry about it coming back…
I hope it all goes well and keep us posted.
Paula x
Feeling very scared now, trying not to let the kids catch on to it though and keeping busy busy. Shaking like a leaf, still can’t believe that only a month ago the world looked so different. And after tomorrow I will look very different, too. Thinking of all of you here and hope the future is bright for all of us. xxx
Hi Tina, you will be in my thoughts tomorrow and after, here’s to a speedy and good recovery.
Take care
Kathy
Will be thinking of you tomorrow Tina
M
Hi Tina
Just to say my thoughts are with you for tomorrow.
Good luck
Love Krissy xx
Hi Tina
Not sure if you will pick this up before tomorrow but will be thinking about you…
Take care and here’s to a good recovery and a that the rest of 2010 will be good for you and all of us on here.
Phillippa x