Surgeons rely on research. Looking at the figures for those who have had lumpectomies with certain types of cancer and those who have had mastectomies for the same type of cancer the survival rates are the same, so surgeons think that there is no point in removing the whole breast when just removing the lump does the same thing. With some of the more aggressive types of cancer or those which have spread into the lymph nodes, they sometimes prefer to do a mastectomy. Remember that no two cancers are the same. Do you know what type and stage of breast cancer you've got?
I am not a doctor and I'm no expert on breast cancer, but it sounds as if he is taking the cautious route. If the blue dye picked up more infected nodes, he might then decide to do a total node clearance or maybe a mastectomy. You might manage to persuade him to change his mind if he has any idea of how many nodes are likely to be involved. This should then mean only one operation.
You maybe not an expert but you are very comforting Jo. Thank you for your replies. Yeah I suppose he is not sure him self yet until he opens up. I'm doing my best to stay positive and its surprising how you can get your head a bit more around it each day. Thanks so much Jo and I'm wishing everyone here the best of luck
I had a lumpectomy 16 years ago. Because the lump was in the very early stages and tiny I was told I only needed a lumpectomy. 16 years later I found a large lump close to my lumpectomy scar and the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I am too frail health wise to have a mastectomy now so had another lumpectomy and all my lymph nodes removed. I wish I had had a mastectomy 16 years ago. I get my biopsy results next week. I hope you can get some advice from your cancer nurse or surgeon.
I am really wishing yo all the best there. I do think a mastectomy is the way to go and I can get one somewhere even if the surgeon wont do. But you have to be positive. If they have removed all nodes there is a good possibility they have taken the channels for spread now. Please keep in touch xxx
I am so sorry to hear this. I can understand your regret at not having a mastectomy 16 years ago. The trouble with cancer is that not everything is clear cut.
I had a lumpectomy16 years ago too and was told that "if I had to have cancer, my type was one of the best to get, as it was slow growing and unlikely to spread". I had Pure Mucinous, grade 1. Six months later, I discovered a larger lump in my other breast, which I was told was pre-cancerous. My surgeon said that he would monitor this. Forward to just under a year after my lumpectomy and I discovered another lump in my original breast. This time I had a double mastectomy. I was unable to have any reconstruction due to previous non-cancer related surgery, but I manage well with an assortment of prostheses for different activities. I must confess that I felt much happier after I had the mastectomies and I've never looked back.
I am so sorry to hear that frail health has prevented you from having a mastectomy this time, but I trust that you are recovering well after your lumpectomy and I sincerely hope that you get good news next week. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
