Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

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. 

Parents
  • Hello BW123, 

    It's such a difficult decision to have to make and I hope that you will hear the insights soon of members of our community who have had to make this major decision. I hope that you will hear from their personal experiences and what they themselves decided but it's important you try and find what is best for you weighing all the pros and cons and don't hesitate to talk openly to your oncologist about your fears, your worries and to ask them every single question that pops into your head so that you can make an informed decision. 

    Don't hesitate also to get in touch with our cancer nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and it might help to talk things through with them too. 

    Best of luck making this tough decision and do come back and let us know what you have been advised and what you decided to do in the end. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Reply
  • Hello BW123, 

    It's such a difficult decision to have to make and I hope that you will hear the insights soon of members of our community who have had to make this major decision. I hope that you will hear from their personal experiences and what they themselves decided but it's important you try and find what is best for you weighing all the pros and cons and don't hesitate to talk openly to your oncologist about your fears, your worries and to ask them every single question that pops into your head so that you can make an informed decision. 

    Don't hesitate also to get in touch with our cancer nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and it might help to talk things through with them too. 

    Best of luck making this tough decision and do come back and let us know what you have been advised and what you decided to do in the end. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Children
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