Is it normal to be sent home immediately after a partial mastectomy?

Well, I faced the same thing. It was only when I had to have a second surgery to clear the margins from the first surgery, I was referred to my oncologist.

Yes. The pathology from the partial mastectomy drives the decision for what to do next.

I'm in Boston, the medical hub! and I was in your situation too. Finally my surgical follow up visit I was referred to medical oncologist. She told me the meds I could choose from and then off to radiologist who told me that it wasn't necessary to have radiation.. so that's it. Anastrazole for 5 yrs. I'm dreading the bone pain/loss and wonder how soon I can have another dexa scan... anybody know? Wishing you well.

Thank you all for responding. I now have an appointment with an oncologist on Tuesday. I should have more news by Thanksgiving.

These posts sound just like mine. I had ductal carcinoma in situ in one breast, stage 1. Barely anything in left breast. Lymph nodes removed, (negative), lumpectomy and radiation. I had 2 oncologists for 2nd opinions from 2 diff hospitals. One said take the hormone pill for 5 years. Then a month later he said come in every 3 months for a pet scan. The other Onc said that was ridiculous. Do nothing. Here’s the kicker: I’m triple negative. The hormone pill does nothing for triple neg and I’m left with doing nothing. No options! Help! Mayo?

Susan A, I also have 3N stage 3 and was told by my oncologist, after dbl masectomy, chemo and radiation,that all there is left to do is live my life because there aren't any meds to take afterwards. When it reoccurs, we will deal with it. 3.6 years later, I am living my life! If it settles your mind, go to Mayo for an opinion. God be with you as you walk your cancer journey.🙏

IIt’s very interesting how different hospital handle individuals after they are diagnosed with cancer. I got an entire team of surgeon, oncologist, NP & social worker within days. I am surprised & sadden by the realization that this is not the experience for everyone. Cancer diagnosis are scary & waiting around for treatment is even worst.

Yes! I saw my surgeon after 2 and a half weeks. They send all that was taking from the mastectomy to the lab to have a detail biopsy. It takes a list 2 weeks to do this and to write the report. Your surgeon will have an appointment with you to go over the report. You will have another appointment with the oncologist who is going to recommend treatment. This is happening to me after a month after the unilateral mastectomy. I do not know if you had reconstruction, I did and my plastic surgeon saw me after one week of surgery.

I am a patient at a comprehensive cancer center, where the oncologic breast surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist are in the same group practice. Once the biopsy report came back(2 weeks) Stage 1A, Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ER/PR+ and HER 2+ ( chemo required), I immediately had the medical oncology appointment. I had 4 rounds of TCHP then I choose a double mastectomy. I had complete resolution of the cancer per the surgical pathology report.

I guess each case is different and maybe depending on type of insurance you have and their protocols. Mine is state 2 clear margins, no lymph node. I was referred to med and rad onco right away even before surgery.

To Ingrid, yes my oncologist also told me that if there’s a recurrence, there’s no treatment, like I was given a life sentence by just that statement. So confusing because there are those who posts about other treatments past that.

Yes I had a bilateral masectomy as well.Triple negative breast cancer patient in right breast. But I did chemo first to shrink the tumor. It worked I couldn't feel anything after 4 cycles. Negative on lymph nodes so no radiation. Thank God! My margins were NOT clear. So he said I need to try chemo by mouth since it was so hard on me by infusion. I'm taking capecitabine started on 1800mg, then 1500mg, now 1000mg for seven days then rest for seven.Dr. wants to do 8 cycles but doesn't think I can handle it, so he said he would settle for 4 cycles.

Joyce I had baseline dexa scan and it’s to be repeated in 2 years I already have osteopenia before starting AI so am on a bisphosphate Exercise and Pilates really help my pains

I went home the same day I had a mastectomy. However, when I was diagnosed I got a surgeon and an oncologist. If you have time research oncologists in your area. And, research treatments so when you meet your oncologist you will have some understanding about treatments. I was completely overwhelmed, and in shock about what I was facing.

I don’t think so. I believe you should have seen one before treatment so they could be apart of it and make a plan, along with a plastic surgeon. I would look into one right away

Same-day discharge after partial mastectomy has become more common as surgical techniques have improved, though experiences can vary based on individual circumstances and healthcare systems. It's completely understandable to have questions about your care timeline, especially when waiting two weeks to see your surgeon and not yet having an oncologist referral - these are important aspects of your treatment journey that many others in this community have navigated as well.