2 lumpectomys???

Hi, jarsam.
I'm not sure if this will be of any help to you, but I'll tell you what I've decided. My situation is a little different. I had a lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy in the left breast on Nov 18. The lymph nodes were negative (YEA!!) but there weren't clear margins around the tumor, so surgeon said we could do another lumpectomy. After thinking long and hard about it, praying about it, and even scheduling the second lumpectomy and having it cancelled at last minute, my husband and I have decided that I will be having a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruciton using the free TRAM flap procedure.

The plastic surgeon told me that becasue he will be using the skin of my current breasts, I shouldn't be numb. (When nippes are added later, they WILL be numb, though). Meeting with the plastic surgeon really eased our minds.

Maybe you could get some recommendations for the best plastic surgeon in your area (one who does microsurgery) and he can answer your questions, so you can make the best decision for yourself. Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one for YOU.

Hi Michele
and Welcome! I can't say that I have chosen to have 2 Lumpectomies, but here is where I am at...11/30 I had a Lumpectomy w/SN Biopsy, had 2 removed that were clear. Right before surgery and after 2 rounds of Chemo, I found another "suspicious" lump in the right side. So, now I go tomorrow for another Mammo/US. If it is indeed more cancer-then I will again choose another Lumpectomy. I consider myself still young(45)and IF in the future it returns-I may choose to have a Mastectomy then, right now, I too am fearful of the thought. For now though, I am very happy with my decision and the results. YOU have to make the decision that you feel is best for you and one that you will be at peace with. I know, it's NOT an easy one to make! I researched my diagnosis, the treatments, mas./vs/lump. and felt confident with my choice.
Don't know if this helps, but I will pray for you to reach a decision and that your fear be replaced with strength & confidence.
Merry Christmas
Hugz,
Cathy

jarsam said:

Thank you
Thank you all for your comments.
I did meet with a plastic surgeon and he told me which ever kind of reconstruction I have, my skin also would remain but, I will be numb. Everything inside is removed so there is no feeling. hmmmm.

Cathy, your story sounds very similar to mine. Best of luck to you. I am praying the gene test comes back negative because i too am choosing another lumpectomy. I am 42 and not ready mentally for anything else at this time. Right or wrong. I guess if the test comes back positve I will need to re think this.

I wish you all luck and health!
Michele

Hi Michele. You post
Hi Michele. You post whenever you want and ask whatever you want. That is what this site is about, support for one another. I had a lumpectomy with rads. Good luck with your choice.

Lex♥

Do What's Right for You
There is nothing wrong with doing a second lumpectomy. Research has proven again and again that it is just as effective in terms of survival to do a lumpectomy with radiation as it is to do a mastectomy. Since it is on the other side, you can do the lumpectomy with radiation just like you did on the first side. Even if you prove to be BRCA positive, a lumpectomy (or two) with watchful waiting is reasonable. If you prefer to do the double mastectomy with reconstruction so that you don't have to worry about reoccurance happening, that's okay too. It is stressful to be given such a choice, but please know that what ever you choose is okay.

I found a great support group with arms at the Wellness Community (a national organization)in a nearby town. They were free and had a breast cancer support meeting about once a month. That was about as much time as I had. Meeting other survivors and talking about our fears really helped. They also have online groups if you can't attend a group in person. I haven't tried those (shucks, that's why I come here) but I know it's there if I need it. Another thing that helped was meeting other survivors in the community that had made various treatment choices and seeing how they did.

By the way, I had a mastectomy without reconstruction back in 2002. While I definately have some numbness under my arm and along the surgical site, my nerves still are very active in certain other areas. I understand that folks that do reconstruction develop awareness of touch within about six months of surgery, though it is not as sexually exciting as before. Surgeons may not be the best folks to ask about how to cope with the changes in your love life that surgery brings, but there are other doctors that are trained to help. I preferred talking with a medical social work counselor that worked at the large hospital I went to. She was the one that got me in touch with the Wellness Community, which is funny because my hospital was 100 miles from my house and the support group was 3 miles away! Your hospital may offer counseling too. Call them and see. As my dad says, for free take! Even if it costs money, insurance might pay for it. But mine was free and it was a relief to talk to someone that knew what I was worrying about(mostly that I thought I was going to go nuts worrying!). It gets better so hang in there! Good luck!

C. Abbott