Deciding between lumpectomy and mastectomy

So far, seems like the information drips out slowly.  My initial mammogram was 12/6 then 2nd one with ultrasound, negative CNB for intraductal papilloma.  Thought I was home free.  Was sent to breast surgeon who is oncologist and had excision 2/22.  The dr called last week to say it was DCIS, margins not clear, path report pending so regroup with him in a week.  My breast has been swollen a cup size since the first marker placement.  I guess to be expected.  Even if it's not life threatening, it still packs a punch, and outwardly I'm trying to play it down and be super positive.

I had early (probably stage 1) breast cancer many years ago, when I was 27. It was supposed to be a cyst being removed, until the pathology lab indicated that it was malignant. Back I went into surgery, to have more tissue and several lymph nodes  removed (all clear) followed by radiation therapy. Fast forward over 30 years later, I had what I thought would be my regular annual mammagram this past December. It turned out that there was calcification in the same breast (different area), and a biopsy indicated DCIS. My surgeon performed a lumpectomy in mid-January, and then my oncologist had me take the BRCA gene test. Although the results were negative, because of my history, and my strong family history with the disease, I had to decide between a regular or bilateral mastectomy, with no radiation (cannot have repeat radiation done on the same breast.) Last week, I saw my surgeon again, and decided to go with the bilateral mastectomy, which is scheduled for the end of this month. I have seen my oncologist once (she recommended the mastectomy) and will see her again after the surgery. 

 So, now that I have made the decision for the bilateral, there is a little more peace of mind. I was also able to track down a local source for prosthesis bras, etc. and hope to get a fitting done a few weeks after the surgery. Now my fears are about the actual surgery itself, and how painful I  hear it is do the necessary exercises a day or so after the surgery. I guess I will continue to lean on my faith in God and in my fine doctors, especially the surgeon. 

Sushitex said:

2 Lumpectomies, now bilateral mastectomy

I had early (probably stage 1) breast cancer many years ago, when I was 27. It was supposed to be a cyst being removed, until the pathology lab indicated that it was malignant. Back I went into surgery, to have more tissue and several lymph nodes  removed (all clear) followed by radiation therapy. Fast forward over 30 years later, I had what I thought would be my regular annual mammagram this past December. It turned out that there was calcification in the same breast (different area), and a biopsy indicated DCIS. My surgeon performed a lumpectomy in mid-January, and then my oncologist had me take the BRCA gene test. Although the results were negative, because of my history, and my strong family history with the disease, I had to decide between a regular or bilateral mastectomy, with no radiation (cannot have repeat radiation done on the same breast.) Last week, I saw my surgeon again, and decided to go with the bilateral mastectomy, which is scheduled for the end of this month. I have seen my oncologist once (she recommended the mastectomy) and will see her again after the surgery. 

 So, now that I have made the decision for the bilateral, there is a little more peace of mind. I was also able to track down a local source for prosthesis bras, etc. and hope to get a fitting done a few weeks after the surgery. Now my fears are about the actual surgery itself, and how painful I  hear it is do the necessary exercises a day or so after the surgery. I guess I will continue to lean on my faith in God and in my fine doctors, especially the surgeon. 

Hi,

First I want to say prayers for you and your family. God is Good. Keep your faith we're all with you during this tough time. I endured and survived lumpectomy, Red Devil Chemo, mammosite radiation, removal of ovaries, and other port in & out surgeries a total of 6 in 2007. If I had to do it all over again I would have opted for the bilateral mastectomy!!!!! I spent 10 years going to 3.5 hour breast diagnostics every 6 months while taking a similar to tamoxifen. So, here I am again with a highly suspicious of the other girl. I am opting for the bilateral this time but due to Covid there is limited patient support. I'm no longer able to drive and my tough-guy husband is not capable of giving me care let alone make anything other than soup & sandwich I'll know more when I see my surgeon Fri 04/02. I'm opting for the tuck reconstructive from my belly fat. Geesh I hope they don't use all of it because I don't want big breasts ever again. Prayers for quick healing and glad you have family around to help. Be and heal well, Lynn