I just don't know

nlbtrbl123
nlbtrbl123 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

I'm 40 years old and had recently made the concious decision to be more healthy. Eating better, going to the gym, quit smoking, all because I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. As part of going to the gym on a regular basis, the larger than normal size of my chest started bothering me more. Started steps to get a breast reduction, including my very first mammogram. They found a large lump almost at the center of my breast so started the next stage of testing and now want me to get a needle biopsy. I did talk to the surgeon that I was going to use for the reduction and have been told that I don't qualify to have the lumpectomy and reduction done at the same time. So in order to get things really done, I would need 2 different surgeries with 2 recovery periods. 

My question for those who have gone through this, is the needle biopsy worth it? How painfull is it? If going to have to end up with 2 surgical procedures anyway, what's the difference? Has anyone had the lumpectomy part done and how bad was the recovery....time and pain wise? Did you have a reduction as well and how bad was that recovery? 

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just very scared and quite frankly don't trust the doctors to give me a straight answer at this point so wanted to ask people who have been there. It doesn't help that I really can't afford to take time off work for 2 surgical recoveries because also going through a divorce at the same time.

Thanks for reading and any insight you may have into this.

 

Comments

  • wallis2
    wallis2 Member Posts: 56 Member
    #2
    I had a lumpectiomy before my

    I had a lumpectiomy before my double mastectomy. Before the lump in my breast was discovered, I was suppose to get a breast reduction.  The recovery for the lumpectomy for me was a couple of weeks, BUT everybody is different. I went back to work in less than 3 weeks however, I was sore. The doctor wanted me to take more time, but I felt fine.  In my opinion the biopsy was worse than the lumpectomy.  My breast was bruised and sore for weeks.  I don't quite understand the two different surgeries. Are you talking about the lumpectomy followed by the breast reduction?  If so, I am sorry but I can't answer that question about the reduction because I had the mastectomy.  I am sure someone will read your comment and be glad to answer that question. I decided to get the double mastectomy because after all I was in the process of getting a breast reduction before this happened.  Everybody recovery is different and please talk to your doctor and ask plenty of questions.  After my lumpectomy they had to send off the tissue to let me know how big was it and the markers.  The doctors will need to know what they are dealing with before they proceed with your breast reduction. You don't have to apologize for asking questions, that is what this website if for. Ask as many questions as you can.  Also you can get a second opinion.  Thanks. 

     

     

  • Lillyab
    Lillyab Member Posts: 2 Member
    edited December 2019 #3
    Lumpectomy and Biopsy

    Being nervous and having a ton of questions is normal. For me the biopsy was not bad, sore afterwards but manageable. I didn't feel any pain during the biopsy procedure besides a small needle prick but the information that they gather from the biopsy was very important.  My lumpectomy was manageable also, it's normal to have some pain afterwards. I did not plan to get a reduction so I don't know much about that process. I wish you all the best. Getting a second opinion is an option, don't be afraid to ask questions. I asked a ton and still do when I see my doctors. 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    edited December 2019 #4
    Prayers going up

    Lillyab is on the mark.   A biopsy is a must to see what you dealing with.  That will direct  your next steps.  Always Always get a second even a third opinion.  Ask your doc who they recommend to go to to gou get one.  Take it all in and make the choice.  I have found in life, nothing ever goes as plan.  Be strong, be brave, be a warrior.  

    Keep us in the loop.  Hugs.

    Annie

  • Elaine_wi
    Elaine_wi Member Posts: 124 Member
    #5
    Biposy first

    There are so many variables that are unkown about the lump. You need to get the needle biopsy to find out what it is. Mine was not at all painful. 

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