Mastectomy

I had breast cancer 16years ago. It returned a few weeks ago. Had all the tests and they came back ok. Apparently the cancer is in the scar tissue from the old treatment. My only option is a mastectomy having had radiotherapy before. I have been given a tablet to take until February 20th to shrink the cancer cells. I then see the surgeon to discuss everything. I mentioned that I did not want chemotherapy and they told me they didn't like to give that if possible. Has anyone had a mastectomy without the chemo. The operation I can accept but the chemo is something I really do not what to have.

  • Hello Cyn and a warm welcome to Cancer Chat! 

    I am so sorry to hear that your breast cancer returned and that you will need to have a mastectomy. I hope the meeting with the surgeon goes well and that you will get to talk to others here who have had the mastectomy without chemotherapy. 

    We have detailed information on our website on the mastectomy which you can read here and which I hope will help answer some of the questions you may have on the surgery. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040  if you wanted to ask them any question - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Wishing you the very best ahead of your operation. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi

    i had dcis and ductal invasive cancer 

    caught early had to have a mastectomy due to large amount of the dcis 

    I am 67 this was 3 years ago 

    I didn't have any other treatment 

    I had bone strengthening infusions every 6 months for 3 years 

    I think it all depends on type of cancer I have spoken to other people that have had surgery radiation and chemo of a similar age to me 

    so I think you will have to take advise from your drs in this 

    we all know what the waiting is like so I hope you get to find out soon 

    i had reconstruction straight away which is ok 

    x

  • Hi joanieb, thank you for that. Did you have to take letrozole. Before or after the treatment.

  • Hi 

    no I wasn't given any drugs before or after my operation 

    I was very fortunate albeit unfortunate having breast cancer in the first place 

    hope you feeling ok 

    j x