new here- IDC need advice

Sailingaway

Hi everyone,

I have been reading many posts but thought I would write my own. I am 54 years young and have IDC. I have a pre-op appointment on Wednesday to decide whether to have a mastectomy vs. lumpectomy. A mammogram revealed a small .4mm tumor (it didn't even show up on the MRI), and genetic testing of the genes was negative. On one hand, a mastectomy of the right breast would not require radiation and I'm not sure about medication. I would not opt to get reconstruction. It seems like too many problems occur. On the other hand, lumpectomy would be simpler, but is it really? In all the posts I have not come across anyone that is concerned about long-term effects of radiation. My mother had radiation to her mouth/face and I see all the problems now 25-30 years later. I would rather skip radiation. I don't like taking any medication either because my aunt ended up having endometrial cancer from Tamoxifen. I am leaning toward a lumpectomy.....but I have my concerns.

Thoughts?

Sadie2022

If you end up doing the lumpectomy look into if you are a candidate for the Savi Brachytherapy instead of the long term external radiation.

Sailingaway

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1698803#Comment_1698803

Will do!

[Deleted User]

There can be issues whatever you chose. I am a five year survivor who chose lumpectomy. My oncotype was only 12. I had rads, no chemo. I have taken Exemestane for five years and have now stopped it. I had my five year check yesterday, along with a bone scan. I now have osteoporosis in lower spine, and a thyroid nodule to have checked (they say they are usually benign). Studies are now showing increased risk of heart disease for patients who receive therapies for breast cancer. You can look them up online. BUT, the cancer has not come back and I am thankful!

Sunny5

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/325488/new-here-idc-need-advice

My doctor told me that the outcomes of mastectomy were no better than those of lumpectomy. I chose lumpectomy and glad I did. As far as radiation it's not nearly as bad as the chemo. I had no pain whatsoever. Some people do have fatigue, but I didn't have much of that, either. Everyone is different, of course. You must do whatever you think is right for you. I am glad I did mine the way I did. Prayers and best wishes!

Sailingaway

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1698906#Comment_1698906

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1699820#Comment_1699820

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1698803#Comment_1698803

Thanks for replying. I did do a lumpectomy. My concern was radiation affects 25 years from now.

Sunny5

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1699830#Comment_1699830

I have never heard of radiation effects longterm. I really don't think it is enough radiation to cause anything like that. When you think of all the radiation we have, such as tooth xrays at the dentist, bone xrays to check joints, etc. like for knee or hip replacement, etc. I've had quite a bit of that. I pray none of us have longterm effects. Prayers and best wishes!

Sailingaway

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1699847#Comment_1699847

Well I hope there are no long term effects from radiation. When I asked the doctors their reply is they don't know.

Sailingaway

They also say, I have to save your life today....

Sunny5

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1699851#Comment_1699851

When I told my cancer dr. he saved my life, he said, "It was not me. It was God upstairs!" And he is Indian, so that kind of surprised me. But I told him God used him to do it.