Hi there just saw your post and wanted to leave a comment ,almost 20 years ago my sister had the choice of the 2 options and whilst I was saying to her I would go for a mastectomy she didn't she went for lumpectomy and she's never looked back ,now I'm not sure what type of cancer she had its so long ago but she's been fine since then ...
Hi again HetA. Have your asked your consultant which way they would advise? I don't always think that the mastectomy can give you absolute assurance that it will never come back. Sorry that sounds very negative, not meant to be. I think it mainly depends on the size and type and grade of cancer and where is it is on the breast. My tumour was 4cm but I have large breasts so had lumpectomy. Followed by chemo and then radiotherapy. What are your personal feelings (family aside) , it is a very difficult choice.
Whichever procedure you have this has to be your decision, as you're the one who has to live with the consequences (if any). I have had a lumpectomy, followed by a double mastectomy a year later. This was following a diagnosis of pre-cancer in the other breast, 6 months after surgery and a second primary cancer in the original breast, almost a year after my original surgery. It is not easy to make the decision of lumpectomy or mastectomy, when you don't really know the success figures for both. I see that you say that you have decided on a mastectomy with a silicone implant. If you are still uncertain do ask to speak to your consultant again and ask for some of these figures.
I must confess that I felt far happier after my double mastectomy than I did after my lumpectomy and I have had no further bother since. That was all 16 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. Thus is a very personal decision and I hope that you reach the right decision for you.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
The consultant was airing on the side of a mastectomy so I think it is the right decision, can I ask if you had any reconstruction after your mastectomies. thank you for your reply and telling me about your story I hope I will be as lucky as you and lead a full fulfilling life. it is nice to know there are people out there sharing their stories it definitely makes me feel I am not alone. I will keep you updated.
You are certainly not alone in facing this dilemma! I am glad to hear that you feel that this is the right decision for you and I sincerely hope that it will be.
I was unfortunately, not a suitable candidate for reconstruction, due to previous non-cancer -related surgery, but I manage with an assortment of prostheses for different activities.
