I can empathise, I found a lump which turned out to be nothing, but the doctor found another lump that was cancer... Weird how these things happen. 

Hi I'm 48. My breast cancer was also found unexpectedly. I had no paloable lumps, oian, puckering, or any other symptoms. I got randomly selected to have a mammogram screening as oart of the nhs research study. This picked up microcalcifications and i had two biopsys. One behind the nipple and one near the chest wall. The one by the chest wall came back as invasive breast cancer. This was in March this year. I had to have 5cm taken which was done in April and sentinel lymph node removal. The invasive breast cancer was accompanied by a full 5cm of DCIS with micrometastes in one node. I too feel very lucky as my oncologist told me that as I had no symptoms I may not have had a mammogram for a further 2 years. She told me my outlook would definitely have been poorer given that there was already spread to the nodes. Fastforward to now and I'm on day 5 tomorrow of 15 radiotherapy sessions.

I was able to have a lumpectomy even though i had a large area to go because I'm a d cup. If the surgeon is recommending mastectomy due to bust size they are probably considering the better cosmetic outcome.

Ultimately it is your choice. Ask to see photos of both options with comparible bust size to your own as this may help you decide. 

I just also want to reassure you that you will get through this. It's a rollercoaster but you can do it. X

You're in good company here, but sorry you've had to join us :|

I found a tiny lump (maybe 2-3mm) and went to my GP, did an extra check for lumps due to an ever so slight flattening on part of my left breast just at one angle.  That lump was nothing, but thankfully at that GP appointment I pushed to start early screening (I'm 41) based on my mum having breast cancer so young.  Within two weeks I was diagnosed with stage 3 IDC.  Like Cornish mine has spread to lymph nodes but thankfully none of my organs.

My mum had lumpectomy and radiotherapy in her early 40s for a stage 1 IDC.  She got through it remarkably well and is a very healthy 71 year old today.  And that's after another completely separate case of HER2 +ve breast cancer in her 60s with chemo etc.  Not sure what size her first lump was but my mum isn't large-chested and had a lumpectomy.  Still, if your lump is 4.5cm, allowing some space around it you'd have to be pretty busty to get away with lumpectomy on that I would think.  I'm a D-cup and my surgeon says really not a chance I can keep any of my breast with a 5-6cm lump.

Luckily for me I've always considered my boobs a nuisance and don't really care about having them removed, but I realise it can be really traumatic for other people, all I can say is that it is best that the cancer is gone and I would definitely prefer your cancer gets gone!

Given the size I can't imagine what other option there is really, but obviously you can ask for a second opinion, also might help to speak to other women who have been in his care?  If it helps at all I've met so many women who have had mastectomies and none of them regret it even if some felt an initial shock (others took it in their stride).  I think in part you can help yourself by fixing your attitude towards it before it happens (if that makes sense?)  My mum had a double mastectomy with this second bout of cancer and she is delighted to have breasts that she doesn't have to worry about anymore, she also got a tummy tuck into the bargain (sadly I'm told I don't have enough fat >:)

Will be thinking of you and wishing you well.  Don't assume you'll come crashing down, I haven't really.  Maybe it's just that with my mum cancer has always been a part of my life but it's not a life sentence anymore, I've just had my first chemo and am doing well, and short of being tired I'm getting on with a fun life.  In terms of how I feel on a day to day basis I have found it important to tell myself over and over that I DO feel well, because all the things you hear from others about Day 5 and Day 6 etc. creep in and make you question every little twinge.  Sometimes telling myself I DO feel well is enough and I get on with that day, other days I don't feel great but having gone through that process helps me ensure I'm not just wasting what could otherwise be a good day.

All the best to you Sara, just take it day by day.

LJxx

 

Thank you Cornishpastie for your reply. 

I was back in yesterday ( Monday ) for further biopsies taken from the 2 nd area of Microcalcification that like you is right by my chest wall . They have put another marker in . I will hopefully get the results in a few days time . 

With the area under your nipple did you lose your nipple ?

 Thank you for the advise on liooking at pictures of both my options . That is a really good idea . 

I am glad your treatment is going well . You sound very strong and positive . 

I am doing very well at the moment but it all feels a bit unreal . 

Best wishes 

Sara x