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CLTann · 07-18-2008, 07:09 PM

Hi Rebecca,

As you can see, I am in favor of mastectomy. Although we have been told by oncs, as well as by Susan Love, that the two paths gave the same statistical probability of recurrence, a little voice whispers this may not be true.

Leaving a part of breast intact with lumpectomy, you risk the spread of cancer from the known potential of micro cancer cells existing around the tumor. That is precisely the reason for radiation and chemo. Radiation can kill most of the micro cancer cells but radiation cannot reach all the remainder breast. This is the reason that chemo must follow the operation.

Additionally, we all know that radiation is a potential cause for cancer. All of us have a life-time limit of the cumulative radiation. This critical point varies with the people. The radiation required after lumpectomy is a considerable high dosage.

In the final analysis, it is indeed a personal choice. Consider all advices, consult with your family and make an objective judgement. Good luck.

07-18-2008, 07:09 PM	#10
CLTann Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 476	Hi Rebecca, As you can see, I am in favor of mastectomy. Although we have been told by oncs, as well as by Susan Love, that the two paths gave the same statistical probability of recurrence, a little voice whispers this may not be true. Leaving a part of breast intact with lumpectomy, you risk the spread of cancer from the known potential of micro cancer cells existing around the tumor. That is precisely the reason for radiation and chemo. Radiation can kill most of the micro cancer cells but radiation cannot reach all the remainder breast. This is the reason that chemo must follow the operation. Additionally, we all know that radiation is a potential cause for cancer. All of us have a life-time limit of the cumulative radiation. This critical point varies with the people. The radiation required after lumpectomy is a considerable high dosage. In the final analysis, it is indeed a personal choice. Consider all advices, consult with your family and make an objective judgement. Good luck. __________________ Ann Stage 1 dx Sept 05 ER/PR positive HER2 +++ Grade 3 Invasive carcinoma 1 cm, no node involvement Mastec Sept 05 Annual scans all negative, Oct 06 Postmenopause. Arimidex only since Sept 06, bone or muscle ache after 3 month Off Arimidex, change to Femara 1/12-07, ache stopped Sept 07 all tests negative, pass 2 year mark Feb 08 continue doing well. Sep 09 four year NED still on Femara.