Lumpectomy (round block) with reconstruction

Hi - I have a 3.5cm globular cancer grade 2 tumour. I have been offered a choice of a lumpetcomy + radiotheray or a masectomy with tissue reconstruction. In the lumpectomy option, I was advised I would go down a cup size (being a small B that takes me to an A i.e. half my original size) - as my breasts would be asymetrical, I was also offered a breast reduction on the good breast. I was warned if I go for the lumpetcomy I am likely to have to have further ops because with globalar cancer it is difficult to be sure you get all the cancer out first time. After research & thought, I realise the size,look & feel of my breasts is really importance to my confidence and how I feel about me (sorry for my vanity) - reducing the size of my good breast is not an option. My objective is to: keep as much of my breast + nipple as possible (round block lumpetctomy) and have reconstruction (ideally via liposuction or otherwise by LIDAP). What I don't understand why I was not offered this at the outset. I spoke to my breastcare nurse and she said she had never been asked this before so I got the impression I was being awkward. I am now waiting for an appointment to be organised with my consultant to discuss further. In the meantime, has anyone had or is considering what I am asking for? Also I asked for the full dimesions of my tumour i.e. length, width, depth and what % of the breast they intend to remove? I was surprised that my consultant has had to go back to the radiologist for this info. I was once again told that no one has ever asked these Qs before. It seems really odd that I am the only one asking (ever) thess Qs  and that I am being asked to make the decision without knowing this information. What are others' experiences?

  • Hello KarenLynne, 

    It's strange that you were told that no one has asked these questions before but you did well to ask them everything that is on your mind before making such an important decision. I hope that you get the answers soon to your specific questions. There is detailed information on our website on breast reconstruction including on the different types of reconstruction which I hope will be helpful to you. If you would like to talk through all this with our cancer nurses, don't hesitate to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of the forum who have had the type of reconstruction you are considering at the moment. If you type the keywords 'breast reconstruction' on our forum search function which is located on the blue banner at the top, you will be able to see other relevant threads on the subject and don't hesitate to respond to any you feel you would like to engage with. 

    You are right to want to have all the information to hand before making such an important decision and I hope that hearing from others' experiences here will help you find the best possible solution for you. 

    So I will now let any of our other ladies who have had a similar type of breast reconstruction to the one you are considering come forward and share their story with you. I hope that you will manage to make the best possible informed decision soon and that it all goes smoothly for you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thanks for your reply. I have another Q - to reduce the impact/extent of operation - do you know if cancer shrinkage via Chemo, Hormonetherapy or targeted therapy is offered - and the criteria to qualify + ads/disads of this? It isn't much talked about but seems sensible

     

  • Hello KarenLynne, 

    It's an interesting question but unfortunately I am not sure myself as I don't have the medical expertise but perhaps you could give our cancer nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 and talk things through with them? Their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. There is also an Ask the Nurses topic area on this forum you may be interested in if you have any specific medical questions. They may not be in a position to answer everything but they may be able point you in the right direction.

    Sorry I can't be of more help myself!

    Lucie