Newly diagnosed

nic0912
nic0912 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone. I have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer and the emotional rollercoaster has been aweful! Thankfully it seems to me only in one area in my right breast. I am meeting with my PC this Wednesday to discuss my options for removal. I am so confused as to what to do. I have been reasearching both lumpectomy and mastectomy for over a week now. Getting better for my family (expecially my 6 year old son) is my utmost proprity, but I would be lying if I said I am not concerned about my appearance. I have met with a PS already and plan to see one or two more. I guess I am asking if anyone would like to share their experience and why they made the decision they made.

Comments

  • Josie21
    Josie21 Member Posts: 382 Member
    #2
    Sorry you are facing this
    Sorry you are facing this difficult decision. I had a lumpectomy for DCIS and then 3 years later I had a bilateral mastectomy for Stage 1 ILC. The DCIS was in the RIGHT breast and the ILC was later diagnosed in the LEFT. It is a tough choice. The doctors kind of talked me into the lumpectomy for the DCIS and I really wasn't sure what to do. I followed their advice. When they found the ILC 3 years later in my other breast, it did not show on any mammo, the MRI caught it. They said it was a slow growing cancer, it was probably growing for 7 years. Of course now I say to myself, why didn't I do the bilateral mastectomy. They would have found the ILC when it was smaller. I decided to do the BM so I could have piece of mind. Again, it's a tough choice that I have not regretted a day. The surgery, for me, was not that bad physically to go through. I had immediate reconstruction with saline implants. I know other women have different kinds of reconstruction and some don't have reconstruction at all. They look better than I ever expected. Also, in my case I did not have to do radiation since i had the mastectomy. This is my story. You will have other wonderful ladies on this site that may say something different. What ever you decide, make sure it's your choice. I knew in my heart I wanted them removed the first time when I had the DCIS because I was always told how hard it was to see cancer in dense breasts. I was right. Follow your instincts. You'll breath easier once you make your decision and the process begins.
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    #3
    Josie21 said:

    Sorry you are facing this
    Sorry you are facing this difficult decision. I had a lumpectomy for DCIS and then 3 years later I had a bilateral mastectomy for Stage 1 ILC. The DCIS was in the RIGHT breast and the ILC was later diagnosed in the LEFT. It is a tough choice. The doctors kind of talked me into the lumpectomy for the DCIS and I really wasn't sure what to do. I followed their advice. When they found the ILC 3 years later in my other breast, it did not show on any mammo, the MRI caught it. They said it was a slow growing cancer, it was probably growing for 7 years. Of course now I say to myself, why didn't I do the bilateral mastectomy. They would have found the ILC when it was smaller. I decided to do the BM so I could have piece of mind. Again, it's a tough choice that I have not regretted a day. The surgery, for me, was not that bad physically to go through. I had immediate reconstruction with saline implants. I know other women have different kinds of reconstruction and some don't have reconstruction at all. They look better than I ever expected. Also, in my case I did not have to do radiation since i had the mastectomy. This is my story. You will have other wonderful ladies on this site that may say something different. What ever you decide, make sure it's your choice. I knew in my heart I wanted them removed the first time when I had the DCIS because I was always told how hard it was to see cancer in dense breasts. I was right. Follow your instincts. You'll breath easier once you make your decision and the process begins.

    Glad you found us!
    My cancer was found in a mammo 4 years ago. Lobular, right breast 1.8 cm. Had a partial mastectomy which is just a bit larger tissue removal than lumpectomy. Right breast is now smaller and perkier than the left. I could have it fixed but I like my breasts just fine the way they are. Nodes were negative. Had no chemo, but had 33 radiation treatments. I am now on a preventive drug with no obvious side effects. Everyone is different. So far all is well. Who knows what the future holds but I'm enjoying each day.

    Waiting to find out the stage of the cancer and the treatment plan is very difficult. I was 58 when diagnosed. I'm sure our younger sisters will post soon.
    Hugs!

    Roseann
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #4
    I'm sorry you have reason to
    I'm sorry you have reason to be here, but you've found a great group. I have always found the people here compassionate, caring, and honest. Frankly, this group has kept me sane on my journey. I hope you find the same.

    I had a bilateral mastectomy. My choice was single or double, and I spent about 4 months while I was doing chemo debating and going back and forth between the two. I finally decided that being even was important to me. What I'm trying to get to is that we all have our own reasons for the decisions we make on this roller coaster. I'm sure you will make the decision that is best for you and your family.

    Please keep coming back and let us know how you're doing.

    Hugs,

    Linda

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