Bit torn on how to proceed. Mammo showed 5mm section of cancer. Opted for lumpectomy as told by few doctors on team(surgical/medical) that mastectomy w/b overkill. Radiation oncologist stated based on pathology after surgery she may do partial breast. Medical stated to be put on tamoxifin because of osteopenia. I want to get a breast reduction/lift as well. Plastic surgeon is checking w/surgeon doing lumpectomy to see if reconstruction should be done/before after radiation. Positive/negatives either way but after reading concerns that if they dont get all margins clear at lumpectomy and have to go back in…if I had reconstruction at same time of lumpectomy that wont be good for my reconstruction. Think it would be better to wait until all is clear after original patholgy - do radiation and then do reconstruction way down the road? Thoughts?
Hi bronxgal
Thanks for your post.
We hear from many women who, like you, have opted to have a lumpectomy but are wondering whether to have immediate or delayed reconstruction.
It’s understandable you’re wondering what the impact may be on an immediate reconstruction if after your surgery the margins aren’t clear. It’s important to let your treatment team know about your concerns around having an immediate reconstruction. You say the plastic surgeon is checking with the surgeon doing the lumpectomy about the timing of your reconstruction/reduction and lift. They can then discuss your individual situation and help you to weigh up the possible advantages and disadvantages.
Our information about the benefits and disadvantages of immediate and delayed reconstruction might help you to put together a list of questions that you could discuss further with your treatment team. You can also ask if you choose to delay reconstruction, how long you may have to wait for reconstruction surgery.
As the radiation oncologist mentioned, depending on your pathology report it may be that partial radiotherapy is a suitable treatment option for your situation. You can find more information here about different types of radiotherapy after surgery for breast cancer.
Like you, some people who have hormone receptor positive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may be recommended to start hormone therapy. to help lower their risk of a breast cancer recurrence in the future.
Some types of hormone therapy can lower bone density. However, in some situations, tamoxifen can help slow down bone loss. This may be why the medical oncologist has suggested it could be a suitable option for you. Our information here looks at things you can do to help look after your bones and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Often people find talking to someone who has had a similar experience or decision to make can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer. We also offer a range of other free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.
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Heidi
Breast Care Nurse
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