Hi! New here and newly diagnosed with ER/PR positive, HER2- at the end of December, I’m 43. Once diagnosed, things seem to be moving faster than I can wrap my head around! I have been given the option to have a lumpectomy with 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week or a double mastectomy. Chemo is not on the table for me at this point. My dr has said survival rate of each option is the same. Reoccurrence rate is very similar with both as I will be on tamoxifen for 5 years. I have gone back and forth over and over and over again trying to make a decision. While I realize the decision is totally mine, I need some help! The thought of radiation scares me and of course the internet leads you down so many routes it is hard to know what to think. The thought of a mastectomy also scares me because of such invasive surgery and long recovery. I currently have implants, that I’ve had for 9 years, so I’m not super attached to my breasts, at least I don’t think I am (more head spinning thoughts). I’ve heard about side effects for both surgeries anywhere from breast deformity(lumpectomy) to losing sensations(mastectomy). If anyone has been in my situation or has any thought that could help me I would appreciate it. My dr would like me to make a decision by the end of the week
Hello and welcome to the forum. I had a double mastectomy last summer. I chose delayed reconstruction because there was a nine week wait for recon and I wanted the cancer out as soon as possible.
I was adamant I wanted reconstruction eventually….
However, immediately afterwards I felt really happy with my body and as time has gone on I actually love it. I was 34gg and now I love not having to worry about implants or the big operation and recovery which DIEP would be. I understand it’s not for everyone but I love my body as it is and feel there’s not much info out there about staying flat.
It’s a personal decision but I was keen to get back to the gym and running, which I did by day 10 post op, and was back walking six plus miles a day by three days after op.
I felt rushed to make a decision and am now so glad I opted for what I did otherwise I would have ended up with an operation which I didn’t really want.
You will be fine and will feel more in control once you’ve had your op xx
Hi Katiep
I can’t comment on mastectomy but there will be some lovely ladies on here to offer advice on their experience. My tumor was a size and position that allowed for a lumpectomy. Although now I wish I had asked about a mastectomy.
Unfortunately all cancer treatments have unpleasant side effects from what I have read. The treatments need to be tough to kill of those nasty cancer cells but in doing so the normal cells get a bit of a beating. I’ve just finished Radiotherapy, a bit pink and tender, and waiting to see if any immediate side effects follow over the next few weeks. I am also on hormone therapy and that worries more than the radiotherapy long term.
But needs must, and if it stops it coming back, I personally will take whatever they throw at it.
Best wishes x