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Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

BW123
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I was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 triple negative breast cancer in April and am coming to the end of my 8 cycles of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy which has been really tough.

It’s now time to decide on surgery, my oncologist recommends lumpectomy with radiotherapy, however, I am so worried about recurrence.  I think for me, a mastectomy would give me more closure on what I’ve been through and would reduce the risk of a primary recurrence (in my opinion).  I know there is a larger risk of distant recurrence, unfortunately.  Obviously it’s a much bigger surgery and recovery will be tougher but I kind of see it as a “once it’s done, it’s done” sort of thing.  It would also hopefully remove the need for radiation as long as my lymph nodes are clear.  

Does anybody have any thoughts on the 2 options or personal experiences they could share to help me decide?  I know it’s a personal decision but any advice is welcomed. 

  • Offline in reply to BW123

    Hi BW123,

    I am glad to hear that you feel happy with your decision and know in yourself that you have done everything you can to prevent recurrence.

    It shouldn't be that much longer before you have surgery. You may find that you'll be quite tired at Christmas, so try to get as much as you can done before your mastectomy.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline

    Hi BW123

    Thank you for sharing your story, wishing you all the best. I am stage 2 grade 3 TNBC, I am half way through my neo adjuvant chemo. I am 42 which I understand is relatively young for this i think, so the reoccurring part for me is a big worry.

    So I am following this chat with a big personal interest

  • Offline in reply to OneBell

    Hi OneBell,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you have been struck by this too. Recurrence is a big worry for anyone given a cancer diagnosis, but we cannot let this fear overrule our lives.

    There really is no telling who will have to face recurrence and who won't. When I was first diagnosed with stage 1, Pure Mucinous breast cancer, my consultant told me that, if I had to have cancer, this was the best type to have, as it was one of the less aggressive types. I had also caught it early, so I was advised that the likelihood of it recurring was very slim.  In the event, I discovered a lump in my other breast 6 months after my lumpectomy. This turned out to be pre-cancerous calcifications. Almost a year after my initial surgery, I discovered another lump in my original breast. This was another cancer, so I had a double mastectomy. That was all 15 years ago now and I still lead a busy and productive life.

    You will be checked annually for 5 years after your surgery, so if anything untoward should happen, it will be caught early and can be dealt with.

    I hope that you are getting through your chemo without too many side-effects.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,


    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to OneBell

    Hi OneBell

    Sorry I have just seen your comment and sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I am 33 and opted for the mastectomy with diep reconstruction. 

    It is a very personal decision but for me, I have no regrets and it was the best choice I made.  I’m very happy with the result of the reconstruction and the peace of mind of knowing I have done everything I can to prevent recurrence. 

    My recovery was much easier than I thought it would be as well and back to doing everything normally by 12 weeks. 

    Hope this helps, but please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the op. Good luck with the rest of your treatment. 

    Thanks, B x

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