What Were You Told About Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy?

When I was diagnosed I was all about mastectomy. Then I read papers and saw the numbers. 2-3% difference (in favor of masectomy) I am HR+ and had a 1cm slow growing tumor (genetics came back w no mutations). I chose lumpectomy after learning they cannot take away all breast tissue and have to leave tissue on the chest wall which can lead to a reoccurrence. That said, if I was triple negative OR had a bad gene mutation I would have opted for a mastectomy and never looked back.

Thank you

Hi Jenni, my docs gave me a choice between a lumpectomy or mastectomy because they said both yielded similar results. I initially wanted a lumpectomy but then I learned that there was a possibility for additional surgeries if the margins weren't cleared, so I leaned towards a mastectomy. I ultimately decided on a mastectomy after the MRI found additional tumors, which made a lumpectomy less ideal.

Thank you

I was unable to have a lumpectomy because of the size of my tumor compared to my small breasts it would have left the breast very deformed. Since I had to have a mastectomy I decided to have a double mastectomy and I am so glad I did. Just heard from the surgeon that they got all the cancer and it turned out I also had cancer in my other breast too. I was shocked.

I had to have a mastectomy because the size, affected the skin, and there were other small ones. Having no gene and PET scan negative I kept the other breast.

Thank you!

Hi Jenni, I was offered both but lumpectomy would have been large requiring more surgery for cosmetic reasons so opted for mastectomy-didn’t want to worry about follow up for that breast and was able to avoid radiation. Was a hard decision.

Wendy did you have no lympnods with cancer? They came back and said I needed radiation because two had cancer.

Sorry to hear that Martha. They took 3 nodes and were negative so didn’t need it. Hopefully your radiation went or will be okay.

I have to meet 7/1 with henia hernia surgery for second correction. Next week they will do ct scan for radiation. If they can't do surgery right away I will do 25 sections of radiation. Not looking forward to that. But my second opinion radiologist has 20 years experience, which includes medical military service. He has a very kind approach, so I will be in good hands.

Glad to hear that about your docs. Good luck with the radiation.

Hello, I was diagnosed with triple negative back in August 2021. I knew nothing about cancer. I was in full shock. I told the oncologist team I wanted a masectomy, but they said it's not necessary. So, I had a chemo, lumpectomy, and radiation. The chemo did a number on me. I also have long-lasting side effects. Unfortunately, on April 2, I was diagnosed again after almost 4 years in remission. I still go back and think, if I had the masectomy the first time, would I be going through this again. This time around, I have lots of knowledge, have researched, and done my own homework. This time, I fully advocate and choose what I want. I had a masectomy on June 12th and am recovering. I'm not sure where it's going to lead me, but I'm in charge this time. I haven't yet met with my oncologist team because I'm still so mad at them. I may also choose another team in a different hospital altogether. I'm not sure. With all of this being said, go ahead and do your research. Advocate for yourself as well. Doctors don't tell you everything that is coming your way after a diagnosis. They are used to this. We are not. Good luck to all who are dealing with any of this. No matter how small or minor you may feel your care or experience is, you are still going through something. Your feelings, emotions, confusion, and anger are valid. ♥️

This is such an important decision that many in this community have faced, and it's completely understandable to want to hear from others about their experiences and what their medical teams shared with them. Each person's situation is unique based on factors like tumor size, location, and individual health circumstances, so hearing different perspectives from the community can help you think through questions to discuss with your own medical team.