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.

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 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