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Hi I haven't been on this site in awhile. Thank goodness, I'm doing well. I'm asking for a very confused friend. She has 2 lumps, caught early. Doctor told her it doesn't matter whether Mastectomy or Lumpectomy, her chances of recurrence are the same. Is this true? I'm an advocate for Mastectomy. Get them off and never wait for that other shoe to drop. Also, she went to plastic surgeon and he made her feel bad that she asked about reconstruction. He said she is lucky to be alive if she has… read more
@A MyBCTeam Member: it's not really that simple - it depends on the type of cancer, stage, grade, hormonal make-up, if its aggressive or not. A lumpectomy can work fine if it's very early and they get it all out with clear margins. I personally went with mastectomy - I just felt more comfortable with that choice, and it worked for me because I ended up having 3 tumours instead of the one they originally thought. I think your friend's doctors are idiots - especially the plastic surgeon - tell her to seek alternate opinions immediately. Her insurance may not work with your surgeon but there are still far better ones than the ignorant toolbags she has now. 💖🦄
Yes, I agree, she needs a new plastic surgeon who will treat her with the respect and compassion she deserves. There are plastic surgeons who work a lot with breast cancer patients and don't make them feel guilty for wanting reconstruction.
I was told by my radiation oncologist that the 5 year survival rate is the same for a lumpectomy vs mastectomy. However, he said the longevity rate is better for lumpectomy because should a second cancer come back in the same breast, and if that breast was radiated the first time, as of 3 1/2 years ago there wasn’t any way to radiate the same breast twice, so a mastectomy would be the only choice. There are always extenuating circumstances where one might be better than the other. He was quoting his years of experience and empirical data.
As far as that plastic surgeon goes, I would drop him like a hot potato! You deserve to be treated like a queen!
The choice is very personal! But please remember, removing your breast does not guarantee no reoccurance. It can return in the chest wall, etc.
Also, Lumpectomy plus radiation, has the same reoccurance rate as masectomy.
Your choice for mastectomy sounds like it was exactly the right choice for you! Be proud of that and continue to share you experience with others, but remember it’s ok for others to choose lumpectomy.
My surgeon & oncologist both agreed that the recurrence rate would be the same for me with lumpectomy + radiation versus mastectomy (likely without radiation). I did not need chemo due to my OncoType score. As Melissa said, every case is unique & ultimately we each have to make a decision we are happy with and confident in.
As far as the plastic surgeon goes - ARE YOU KIDDING?? After three surgeries to get clear margins and radiation treatment, my breast was a disaster. When I saw the plastic surgeon, he was almost excited to do my reconstruction. It took two tries due to a massive infection after the first attempt, but the final result is amazing. I just hope he is still practicing if I need to replace my implant down the road.
I feel really sad for your friend - the medical professionals I have dealt with on my path have been nothing but kind, caring and compassionate. No one needs to deal with a condescending jerk on top of a cancer diagnosis.
Rant over! LOL
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