Should I choose lumpectomy or mastectomy for stage 3A breast cancer?

Making treatment decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when both options require radiation. Many patients in this community have faced similar choices and found it helpful to discuss factors like recovery time, body image preferences, and long-term monitoring with their medical team. Consider asking your surgeon about specific details for your situation, and remember that connecting with others who've been through similar decisions might provide valuable perspective as you work through this important choice.

Hi Maria, I’m sure trying to decide the best treatment option can be stressful and difficult. I would suggest doing your own research about treatments and recovery and chances of recurrence. I was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 1 January 21,2025. Only in my left breast. I chose to have a double mastectomy, because I was worried of recurrence and I didn’t want to put my body through any treatments and have to go through those side effects. I am very happy with my decision and I don’t have any regrets. You have to do what is best for you.

Thank you Maya.

Hi Maria - there is a black breast cancer surgeon on FB named Dr. Takeyla Williams. She does small informative reels about everything breast cancer and treatment. I found this recently after my treatment, but it is very informative going forward. She also goes by The Pink Ribbon Dr. But she also advises to speak with your own doctor as well.

How do you know you have metastasis without the surgery and pathology?

Exsctly my question?

I was just asking because I didn’t even get staged until after my surgery.Everybody’s usually stage one and then the stage usually changes after the surgery I had a positive lymph node so then I turned into stage two.

It's your call, but I did the Mastectomy, glad I did. I did reconstruction on the right and a reduction and lift on the left side about 5 months after surgery. My only regret is that my surgeon did not spare my nipple, but that’s not always the case.

I am 69 . Was diagnosed in Aug 2025 with IDC stage 1B ER+ HER2- and sentinel node Mets from a needle biopsy after diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. Was given same choice , lumpectomy or mastectomy both with 3-5 lymph nodes removed. I was told outcome from either would be the same due to the small size of tumor. I chose lumpectomy and they removed 6 lymph nodes for biopsy. After surgery was staged 2A because tumor was bigger than they thought. Was diagnosed with endometrial cancer the day before my lumpectomy/lymphectomy so I had total hysterectomy (removed uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes , cervix and 2 pelvic lymph nodes for biopsy) 2 weeks after breast surgery. Endometrial cancer was stage 1A and required no after treatments just on surveillance forever. Had Oncotype test that came back with recurrence score of 0(zero). Then 20 rad treatments with last 5 treatments boosted. I worked every day after 6:45am rad treatments. Not a walk in the park, but doable. I am currently on Letrozole for last 3 1/2 months. Again, not a walk in the park but doable. Everyone if different, but I feel that I chose the correct path for my journey. Time will tell. Prayers for you as you begin the journey. Best of luck.

They found the cancer in my lymph nodes instead of my breast, they did the biopsy and they told me that is breast cancer but it is already in my lymph nodes. I don’t have any lump in my breast but the MRI showed a 6 cm area of cancer cells and they did the biopsy and it was positive for DCIS and IDC.