What should I choose: lumpectomy or mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma?

Deborah, Yes, I had something similar. Sounds like they caught this fairly early. Your surgeon and cancer board will help direct you as to what is best for you. Ask all the questions you can think of. My surgeon recommended lumpectomy, initially, I thought I should go with mastectomy, but resigned to the less invasive lumpectomy, as I had never had any surgery prior. The cancer board was very reassuring I was a good candidate for lumpectomy as the tumor was 9 mm and the DCIS was in the same area. They removed the section of about two inches. I did acupuncture to relieve some of the nerves that were irritated initially. It was helpful. They chose 6 radiation treatments for the best first line of defense against reaccurance, followed by 5 years of AI meds, which I am about half way through. I know this is frightening, you need to be able to trust your care team and don’t hold back on your questions. I’m about 12 years older than you, keep a positive outlook and fight this! Sending my prayers & hugs❣️. You are not alone❤️

This is understandably an overwhelming time as you process this diagnosis and consider your treatment options. Both lumpectomy and mastectomy can be effective treatments, and the best choice depends on many factors specific to your situation that your medical team will help you evaluate. Meeting with your surgeon and oncologist will be crucial - they can explain how factors like tumor size, location, and your personal preferences might influence the recommendation for your specific case, and many patients find it helpful to prepare questions in advance for these important conversations.

Hi Deborah, I am 63 and found out the beginning of April I had idc 8mm, stage 1, grade 1. I am having a lumpectomy on May 6 and meeting on Monday to discuss sentinel lymph node biopsy with my surgeon because based upon my known tumor stats and negative ultrasound and mri I fall under new 2025 guidelines where I might could skip it. This is appealing to me because I don’t want to have arm movement restriction or lymphedema. I plugged in my pathology report into ChatGPT and it helped make everything more clear as it was specific to me. I have found out so much info that when I spoke with the radiology oncologist and the lymphedema physical therapist they both asked if I worked in the medical field. It was because of ChatGPT that I found out about the SOUND and INSEMA trials and the guidelines changes. I appreciated the forums but they tended to scare me and not everyone’s journey and diagnosis is identical to yours. Advice is to just breathe, my rug got pulled out from under me just like yours did, everything fine one day and then cancer diagnosis. We are strong and we will make it thru to the other side. My faith has helped me feel peace during this time of turmoil. God sent me 2 Kings 20:5 I see your tears, hear your prayers and I will heal you, while I was scrolling waiting for my biopsy. I am claiming that!!!!

I have IDC was diagnosed in Dec of 25, met with a team of Drs in January. By Jan they hadn't done anything for or told me what my treatment was going to be on March 10 I finally called and begged that they start me on something, so they called in Letrosole.bNo explanation on how to take it. On April 23 I was supposed to meet with the oncologist to get explain my care plan. He didn't show up. I had already lost confidence in the group and had made an appointment with Banner MD Anderson, boy am I glad I did by the time I left her office I had a good game plan. Then today I get an email saying that the original oncologist was leaving the practice. I'm going to have a lumpectomy with reconstruction.

Just this morning I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy done. So far so good. Final pathology should be back next Tuesday. Very, very thankful that my local hospital has a great breast surgeon and 3 months ago completed a new oncology and radiation wing and it’s only 5 minutes from my house. I am sorry your journey has been so disjointed Lesley. Come to Morehead City, North Carolina, we have the beach and an excellent team!! I will send prayers your way! God is so good!!