Breast Conserving Surgery vs full Mastectomy

Imasurvior2025

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer that was caught early. 2 tumors less than 5cm in my right breast and 1 lymph node that is cancerous. I have completed 3 of 8 cycles of chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment. I have a life changing decision to make about my options for surgery. Can someone please share with me your experience and how you arrived at your decision? My children are advocating for me to choose a full mastectomy. They believe this will ensure the cancer will never return.

suesuestl

I'm a 6 year cancer survivor and underwent lumpectomy. Recent MRI showed focus of enhancement in tumor bed rated bi rads 4. A second look ultrasound rated bi rads 4 c. MRI guided biopsy scheduled in two weeks. I'm a retired RN and am terrified. Having trouble waiting for the biopsy and none of my docs have given me a good reason for change in bi rads score. Im anticipating a mastectomy this go around. Can anyone who's been here help?

zmak1957

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in January 2025. I am 67 years old. I have no other health issues other than breast cancer. Based on the results of the ultrasound, it looked like a "text book case" for a lumpectomy with radiation since we could only see a pea size tumor and clear lymph nodes—until I had the MRI. The MRI indicated linear activity outside the tumor that did not show up on the ultrasound. Because of that, I opted for a bi-lateral mastectomy. I am glad that I did. The linear activity turned out to be cancerous which when added to my pea size tumor made the cancer area about 3.6 cm up from 1/2 cm. The 4 lymph nodes tested in surgery were negative. I am now going through adjuvant chemotherapy to make sure there is no more cancer in my body. Back to the bi-lateral mastectomy. For me, I was uncomfortable but never in any major pain. I never took any of the 3 oxycodone prescribed. I did take muscle relaxers for the first 10 days and had 2 drains. On day 10, drains were removed and I quit taking the muscle relaxers. I went back to work after 3 weeks—part-time the first week and full time the following week. I also tried to eat foods that did not cause inflammation so tried as much as possible to eat gluten free and sugar free. I think that also helped with my recovery. I also opted to NOT do reconstruction at the same time of the mastectomy for the following reasons (1) the length of surgery would be longer. At my age, I did not want to be under anesthesia that long at one time. (2) the recovery would take longer with more risk such as risk of infection. If I decide to go the reconstruction route, it will have to wait until after chemo is completed. Wish you well on your journey and your decision.

2nu2tnbc

Good morning. I’m a TNBCer survivor! I’m glad your treatment is going well. I was 49 years old when I discovered a huge lump!

Imasurvior2025

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722083#Comment_1722083

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722653#Comment_1722653

thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. This was very informative and helpful. I pray for your complete recovery and healing ❤️‍🩹.

nat273

To both of you—I just want to say you’re not alone. These decisions are heavy, layered, and deeply personal.

To the first post: I faced a similar choice after being diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer and testing positive for the BRCA2 gene. I originally hoped to keep my breasts or at least preserve as much as I could, but after talking with my local oncologist, my surgical oncologist, getting a second opinion at Dana-Farber, and even a third through my work benefit (Included Health), I ultimately chose a bilateral mastectomy. My kids were scared too, and I understand where yours are coming from.

I opted for reconstruction because I initially planned to have DIEP flap surgery. I joined the YMCA through a cancer wellness program and worked hard to lose weight to qualify—but in the end, I wasn’t a candidate. I now have implants that I’m still navigating and may revise.

That said, the mastectomy itself wasn’t as bad as I feared. I was in the hospital for just one night and even went out to dinner the next evening. The drains and recovery weren’t awful, but for me the hardest part has been the ongoing tightness across my chest. It’s physical and emotional—and something I’m still working through. I have more surgeries ahead, and while I’m currently NED (no evidence of disease), I know that doesn’t guarantee anything.

To the second post: I can feel the fear in your words, and I just want to validate it. Waiting for answers is brutal, especially when things seem to shift without clarity. You deserve transparency and a care team that helps you make informed, empowered choices.

Both of you are making impossible decisions in real time. Just know there’s no perfect answer—but there is a community here that understands. If you ever want to talk more, I’m here. We don’t have to carry it alone.

NowwhatinSC

JUst breathe!

I am a 44 year old woman and was diagnosed in October of last year with dcis in both breasts. I felt very rushed and unprepared for the decision I made I chose double mastectomy and thank the lord I'm okay with my decision today. I'm 5 months out of surgery and thought I would consider reconstruction but am leaning more towards never ever ever wearing a bra again. Lol it's actually been a very freeing feeling and I can wear some adorable clothes that I would have never been able to before. I just look like a member of the Itty bitty committee. Do your research, talk to people, reach out to resources like these and make a solid choice. Reconstruction can happen years down the line if you choose "flat". Hey..... you just might feel liberated! We are here for you!