On to Surgery

but here it goes ...  I would get a 2nd opinion -- from a Breast Cancer Specialist or Surgeon --   I opted for bilateral, as I feel it was best to be safe, than sorry. 

Ask for clinical data information - on recurrence ( there is limited published info out ) - do a little research, and investigating -  This is YOUR body, and you need to

be the ADVOCATE on what will be performed to provide the best possible outcome.

Just my humble opinion ..

Vicki Sam

New Flower said:

I agree with Vicki

Radiated skin healed very poorly therefore if you change your mind later in life your mastectomy will be more difficult than nnow please seek a second opinion 

good luck

The survival rate and recurrence rate is the same with a mastectomy as with a lumpectomy and radiation.  They can never get all of your breast tissue with a mastectomy, so, you will always have breast tissue left.  You also have to have surgery to get new implants, I think, every 10 years or so.  You need to be sure of your choice, irregardless of what your surgeon recommends, either a mastectomy or a lumpectomy with radiation. 

I've always been so thankful that I could have a lumpectomy. 

Good luck to you!

McMarty said:

Snowkitty  YOU are the boss! 

Snowkitty  YOU are the boss!  If there is ANY question don't move til there is not question.  What you feel is right for you is WAY more right than the whim of a surgeon that does not have to LIVE with the decision!  I wrestled with my surgeon for hours on that.  He said 'that is WAY too much surger for your level of disease.'  and once the mastectomy was done, he came into my room and said 'you were right, the entire breast had widespread DCIS'

Cindy, I'm wishing you the best of luck.  If you have questions and concerns, please do more research and talk to your breast surgeon and even your oncologist.  I want you to feel good about your decision.

A lumpectomy was what my breast surgeon and onco recommended and that's what I had. 

Hugs, Kylez

DianeBC said:

Congrats first for finishing

Congrats first for finishing chemo and wishing you good luck with your surgery.

Hugs, Diane

A lumpectomy with radiation is what all of my doctors recommended.  I had a MRI to be sure there was no more bc in either breast, prior to my lumpectomy.  This was the best choice for me and what I wanted too. 

Also, some women have no choice for whatever reason, they have to have a mastectomy. 

Congratulations to you also on finishing chemo!  Huge, huge milestone!

Hugs, Megan

survivorbc09 said:

Best of luck to you Cindy on

Best of luck to you Cindy on your surgery and good luck with rads!

Hugs, Jan

Best of luck on your surgery, and rads:)

Patti

DebbyM said:

Sending good luck too and a

Sending good luck too and a big hug for you Cindy!

Hugs, Debby

Jessie is having surgery on the 16th and you on the 17th.  Wishing you all the good luck I have too!

Hugs, Rose

Ritzy said:

Cindy, wishing you good luck

Cindy, wishing you good luck for your surgery next week!

Sue

I'll be thinking of you next week and praying for a successful surgery and a quick recovery!