Second lumpectomy or mastectomy?

Diagnosed with breast cancer Local recurrence or new primary diagnosis
1

Hi everyone, struggling with a decision and wonder if anyone has any thoughts or experience….

I had DCIS er8, pr8, her2- in 2021 and had WLE and radiotherapy. Didn’t have hormone therapy as it was only meant to lower reoccurrence rate by 2%. Fast forward to 2026, just had the same diagnosis again, same breast other side.

Have to decide WLE again or mastectomy. Surgeon said there is recent evidence that WLE is effective, but I can only find studies that say this is only effective with another targeted radiotherapy treatment (which I don’t want and wasn’t offered). I’m verging towards mastectomy as the whole breast has been tender since the first WLE.

Any thoughts? Is there anything you wish you’d known if you’ve faced this same decision? Need to let them know asap.

2

Hi I too had 2 bc in same breast

First triple negative in 2013 had wle chemo and radio

Second in 2023 oestrogen positive

I was told only option was mastectomy as couldn’t have more radiotherapy

I asked about reconstruction and was told only have DIEP flap Which means taking flesh from my back and joining blood vessels from there to my chest

My mastectomy scar took ages to heal due to previous radiation and included seromas which had to be drained

I think my skin would not take a reconstruction so I am flat on one side

I feel well now but thought sharing my story might give you information to ask your surgeon about?

Best wishes x

3

Hi there, had a lumpectony, chemo and radiotherapy in 1999. Second breast cancer 2025. More chemo but have finally decided to have a double mastectomy later this year. I have run out of choices!! I carry a PALB2 gene so am at risk of a third breast cancer. I have reached the point of no return….