My BC was more advanced - ended up being Stage III - but I chose lumpectomy. My surgeon emphasized that as long as I had radiation in addition, the outcomes were similar. Some studies have actually said recurrence is a little less with lumpectomy+radiation than with mastectomy. With sentinel node biopsy, cancer cells were found in 5 lymph, so radiation would have been a no-brainer anyway. It has been almost 10 years since my diagnosis, with no recurrence or metastases, so I feel very good about my choice. And if you choose lumpectomy first, you can always go to mastectomy later - you can't do it the other way!

I had lumpectomy because stage 1 and small tumor,however everyone else was having masectomys so I thought I made the wrong decision. My oncologist said I made the right decision! Had my first scan two days ago and still clear! I am taking letrozole side effects aren't to bad! Every woman is different! Good luck!

I had bilateral lumpectomies at the same time because the biopsies were positive. It was invasive stage 1. My Dr said she didn’t see a reason for a mastectomy at this point so I went with her recommendation. I had radiation but didn’t need chemo. It’s been 9 years so I’m glad I followed her advice. The only thing I didn’t follow was taking the pill for 5 years. After 3 months I could not tolerate the side effects. She wanted me to try another pill, but I didn’t want to. It took months before I felt my body and mind returned to normal.

I opted for a lumpectomy with radiation. Surgeon explained to me the chance of reoccurrence was equal to having a mastectomy. I like my boobs and wanted to keep them. It was an easy decision for me. I'm a nurse and have some insight and healthy fear. Didn't want complicated multiple surgeries, prolonged anesthesia, long recovery and big loss of time from work. Surgery is not without it's complications. I was fortunate that I had options. Some don't. Everyone's decision is personal. Do your research, ask questions, pray and don't jump to worse case scenarios. Make a good decision based on information and not fear. Best wishes and hugs!

I had a lumpectomy & chemo & radiation..I will never do radiation again..I still a year later have issues..every lump or bump freaks me out..I wish I would of done a masectomy but everyone is different I had 33 rounds of radiation my cancer was close to my chest wall by my arm pit so could of been the area is why I had so many problems plus I worked thru my treatments in a kitchen lifting & stuff..I deliver meals to homebound clients so that prob didn't help..I learned a new phrase & I use it often.."My body My Choice" take opinions but in the end its your body your choice..I wish you all the luck in the world..