Breast surgery questions

Hello,

I have a 7cm lobular cancer in my right breast and they're investigating another lump in the left one. I have very nodular breast and it's hard to know if a lump is a concern or not. My drs in my 20s told me to compare from one side to the other. Knowing I will no longer have my right breast I want to opt for full mastectomy of both. 

What are the risks of recurrence with full mastectomy (going flat), implants or DIEP reconstruction? I'm not bothered about the look, more the reccurance factor as I'm 42 single parent with 3 children. 

Many thanks

Caz

  • Hi Caz and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to read about your situation.

    I can understand you wanting to learn more and explore all possibilities. 

    Lobular cancer begins in the cells that line the lobules within the breast tissue. 

    Local recurrence is when the cancer returns in the chest, breast or near the original site of scars following mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery.

    Mastectomy is often the preferred treatment option for invasive lobular breast cancer, especially when the cancer is found in multiple areas within the breast. In such cases, it might not be possible to remove only the cancerous area, so your doctor may recommend removing the entire breast (a mastectomy).

    Breast Cancer Now has a webpage describing the two most commonest types of reconstruction.

    According to The Advanced Reconstruction Institute reconstruction, either DIEP or implant,  does not increase the risk of recurrence.

    Other factors can contribute to your risk of cancer recurrence. The best people to ask would be your hospital specialist or breast care nurse who knows more about your personal situation.  

    The Royal Marsden has information on how you may be able to reduce your risk of breast cancer recurrence.

    I hope you find this information helpful.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Tina

    Cancer Information Nurse

  • This is great. Thank you so much for the information. I couldn't find if reconstruction would increase a risk of recurrence. 

    Also what are your thoughts on keto or paleo diet? I'm currently try it to see if it can slow the growth until they do surgery as I'm having no other treatments and its been a month now of tests. 

    Thanks. 

  • The drs are now doing CT and more biopsies on another lump and a lymph node. But I’ve already requested full mastectomy with reconstruction. Or just mastectomy. Do I have to have another biopsy? I really don’t want more and just want to start treatments. Can they not do these after the surgery? Thanks. 

  • Hello there soundy and thanks for getting back in touch

    There is no specific diet recommended to prevent breast cancer coming back or to slow down cancer growth, however a balanced diet high in fibre and low in saturated fat is thought to be beneficial.

    Breast cancer now has more information about how having a healthy diet and lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and limiting alcohol is important. There is nothing specific to following a paleo or keto diet.

    We always suggest patients talk with their doctor before they follow a strict diet to ensure if is safe to do so.

    I hope this helps.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    Unfortunately, we can't fill this in for you. Your hospital clinical care team are best placed to answer your specific questions. There will be a valid reason for your doctor to want to do the biopsies now. This may be in relation to your planned surgery, and when best to obtain biopsy specimens. Try and make contact with them if you can, to clarify the plan for you. If you have a breast care clinical nurse specialist (CNS), then do ring them, as they may be able to explain things in more details for you.

    Best wishes,

    Vanda