Lumpectomy or Mastectomy??? Reconstruction or no???

I had my diag on 15 Sept 22. Invasive carcinoma, ductal. ER +, PGR+, HER Neg. I am 65 yr old. On 1 Nov. 22 I had a bilateral mastectomy, 1st and foremost make sure your Surgeon is 100% on board with your decision. My Surgeon was/is. -0- reconstruction, -0- nipple, -0- skin "saving", in case you want reconstruction later. Do your research, ask questions ask many questions. Had the surgery, 2 + sentinal nodes positive for cancer (radiation injection before operation). This puts me invasive once it spreads to lymph nodes. Took the oncyo, and chemo will not work for me. There is a site "no shirts required" lists Surgeons that are ok with flat. Today is the 11th of Dec 22 and I would not change my mind. Ask questions, Ask questions. Some reconstruction carries a bc risk.

I was diagnosed in Sept 2022 with stage 1 invasive tubular carcinoma. After spending six weeks learning about all the options and talking with all the drs, I opted for a bi-lateral, nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction instead of a lumpectomy. This procedure took place in December 2022. My breast surgeon and plastic surgeon were extremely patient and encouraging. When the final pathology came back and I met with the oncologist, he felt I needed no further treatment at this point. This meant no long-term medication either. When I made the decision, I felt like I was being very radical but now I'm literally done. My advice is ask lots of questions and tell them you want all the options available to you presented. Good luck!

Jazalea, you and I will be going through the same thing at the same time. I had my lumpectomy at the end of December and now it's time for the next phase of treatment. I start radiation in about a week and a half (they are still setting up my treatment plan).

I'm so happy that your surgery was successful - congratulations! That was a brave choice, but it sounds like it was a good one. Best wishes in your next stage of treatment. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you. We're fighting together! Best wishes!!

Here’s what happened to me after choosing lumpectomy:

My surgeon didn’t get clear margins and basically forced me into a THIRD surgery for a mastectomy. Then days later, because of so many surgeries so close, I went to the ER with a DVT which had progressed to worse, a PE. I ALMOST DIED. I am fine now, but I’m furious with her. I have been tested, no genetic alterations for DVT’s so my advice is, A SURGEON IS NOT PERFECT. Failing to accomplish clear margins TWICE is a big problem. Take into consideration they can fail at their job. Do what’s in YOUR best interest, always. ALWAYS.