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
  • 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

  • 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

Reply
  • 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

Children
No Data