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!