Thank you for the hugs! My surgeon has said survival rates are the same for mastectomy and lumpectomy are the same, and the informatioon he got from the mri did not seem to change his mind, the breast nurse seemed to agree so I guess I will go with that for now. Did you have LBC most posts here are for ductal. I am trying to be strong and thank you for the reply. Carolx

Hi Carol, I too had Invasive Lobular BC of about the same size as yours. I also had Tubular BC in the other side and had bilateral lumpectomies & senitnel node biopsies back in March so know exactly what you are going through just now. As Lyndalou has already said very well, the recommended op depends on the postion and grade of your tumour as well as its size and how you will look after surgery. I am not overly endowed so worried that I might appear even smaller but all is well appearance-wise. Because the surgeon can "re-arrange" the remaining tissue once he's removed the tumour you should end up with a nice shape. I was happy to go with my surgeons suggestion but obviously, this is a personal decision and you should do what feels right for you. Hope this has helped and I wish you all the best but am happy to help if you have other queries or worries. Take care  Sue xx

Thanks sue...did you have the biopsy of the sentinel node at the time of the lumpectomy? Did you have chemo? How long did you have to wait for the results of the biopsy? I understand its a bit of a postcode lottery. It is such a lonely journey, even when surrounded by loved ones.

Hi Carol, in my case (and I think it's quite usual) I had the sentinel node biopsies done at the same time as the lumpectomies. The day before the op I had a nuclear injection at the site of each tumour (I was dreading it to be honest but actually it wasn't painful at all!) The fluid from the injection then follows the lymph vessels to the nodes in your armpit. After you have had the anaesthetic for your op, a blue dye is injected which follows the path of the nuclear fluid and allows the surgeon to more easily find and identify the lymph nodes for biopsy. I then had a two week wait before seeing the surgeon for the results. I was told that they had removed both tumours cleanly and that the Nodes were cancer free so there was no need for chemotherapy and I went on to have radiotherapy and am now on a 5 year course of hormome therapy (one tablet a day). The radiotherapy was to mop up any stray cancer cells left behind during the op and the hormone therapy is to reduce the risk of a recurrance. I know that this is all so overwhelming for you just now, your mind goes crazy with all the ifs, buts and maybes and despite family & friends, you're right, it is a lonely place but try not to think too far ahead.The waiting is the worst bit and there is an awful lot of waiting still to come so just take it one step at a time and you will get through it, honestly. I don't have much patience at the best of times so I know that's far easier said than done (!) Take care Sue x

Hi Carol..try not to be frightened. Success rates are enormous these days. I was stage 2 border line 3, had lumpectomy but another tumour was spotted growing so had to go through surgery 4 weeks later. I escaped chemo and had 15 sessions of radiotherapy. I have to take tamaxefen for ten years as my oestrogen was feeding the Cancer. I'm fine and well. I wish you the best of health and every success. Macmillan are marvellous, lean on them. That's what they are there for and worth their weight in gold. Good luck and much love ️xx

Hi sue..you have actually just helped me reading your post as my situation was exactly yours. Tamaxefen is for ten years but has to be taken die to oestrogen feeding my tumours. My fear is it coming back and have very bad dreams..best of health to you..jill xx

It's really hard not to think about things and in some ways it's an opportunity to become informed I suppose. I have just had my lumpectomy but when the surgeon examined my breasts he said I would be a good candidate for breast reduction too. I was very lucky to get that surgery and not have to wait longer for it. My breasts are now much smaller but look ok. Where the cancer was removed there is an incision and dimpling  but it will improve. If they think you will still have a viable breast they do lumpectomy but I found that phrase a bit strange? What would that look like and how dissimilar would it be to my other breast. That was my experience and not sure how helpful that is but write down your questions and seek guidance. 

Hi, I'm new to the forum diagnosed just last week - and this caught my eye. As situation very similar to mine 
 
I was wondering how you all are ? 

Efffie x

Hi Effie

This link just popped up in my email. So strange to read my feelings and emotions over 5 years ago... I was overwhelmed and scared and I'm sure you have similar feelings. But... here I am alive and well and there are many days when I don't think about cancer at all! I ended up having a double mastectomy chemo and reconstruction with implants. My treatment journey is over as I came of the hormone blocker a few months ago.  Time passes so just take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself... you have got this and you will come out stronger the other side!

carol xxxx