Big Decisions

[kymelody]

Beginning in October, I had surgical biopsy to remove a 5 cm tumor from my right breast. I had lumpectomy with 13+ of 26 lymph nodes removed in November. Two weeks later I had additional tissue removed, which still did not produce clean margins. Team of doctors did not want to delay chemo, so I had four dose dense AC treatments, and am now 6 weeks into my 12 weeks of Taxol/Herceptin. I will continue Herceptin for one year. I will also have radiation for 5-6 weeks following my decision on additional surgery, since I did have positive nodes.
I will meet with a plastic surgeon and my breast surgeon on the day of my last treatment to discuss mastectomy. I will be 35 yrs old this year and just have so many questions about my options. I just cannot wrap my mind around losing my breast vs losing my life. I'm only a size 36B - even if they take alot more tissue and it leaves bad cosmetic results, what is more cosmetically bad than a mastectomy ? I have researched reconstruction - I would only be candidate for implants.
My surgeon stated at one time that "We like to do breast conservation as much as possible, because if it does reoccur, its easier to detect". I have not actually talked with her since my lumpectomy, so I am anxious to discuss all options withher, however, I won't have alot of time to make my ultimate decision. If it is surgery, I will have only two weeks. I am just trying to get a jump start. Any comments/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[MGordon]

In her case she opted for full hysterectomy and no reconstruction. I know that this is an extremely personal decision, but as a spouse I have to say that no reconstruction is an option and you are still beautiful!

Just a thought - you may be facing a lot of "procedures" from here on out and if this is one that you do not HAVE to have it may be worth not doing it.

It is your experiences that make you unique and beautiful.

Love and Light
Mel

[tousled1]

Since you have positive lymph nodes you will require radiation. I had a large tumor and had neoadjunct chemo (before surgery) to shrink the tumor. It did shrink the tumor but I opted for a bilateral mastectomy for many reasons. It was a personal decision that I thought long and hard about. I was told that since I would require radiation that reconstruction would have to wait until about six months after mastectomy. I have no regrets and will probably not have reconstruction. You are still very young and according to statistics, there is no significant overal survival difference in mastectomy vs lumpectomy and radiation. With your chemo regime you should have good results. Talk to your surgeon and oncologist at length about your diagnosis and what they would recommend. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you feel good with your decision.

[lu ann]

I was dx. 09/25/1991 with stage 1 BC, 1 cm tumor, no positive nodes. Lumpectomy with rad. therapy and chemo was the origional treatment plan.

The Doctor could not get clean margins so I had a mod. rad. mast. with immediate tram flap reconstruction, followed with 6 months of chemo. (cytoxin, methotrexate, and 5-fu).

Adriamyacine was used if there were positive nodes, larger tumors, or metastisis.

Three years ago I was dx. with stage 4 to my mediastynime (area between breasts), spine, pelvic bones, and other various bones.

I believe the type of reconstruction I had, masked the reocurrance. I also did not get radiation, which I think would have cleaned up the area left with disease.

Hind site is always 20, 20, but looking back and having the option of making different decisions, I think a double mastectomy with rad. tx. and the option of having reconstruction later would have been a better option for my situation.

[Jeanette]

I also had my tumor shrunk before surgery, though I was a lot older than most of you. I am waiting results of another biopsy and will know tomorrow what they are, I had an MRM of the left breast with no reconstruction. I figured at my age at the time 65 there was no need. Hindsite being what it is, If I had known what I know today I would have had both breasts removed at the same time. it is an indivual decision though. Bless you all, Jeanette

[vickie h]

Melody, I had a mrm in july of 04 and opted not to have a reconstruction (which is good, because after 2 rounds of radiation I wasn't a candidate anyway). I am 58 and my husband and I are satisfied that I am here and doing so well. At your age I know that reconstruction is a huge decision, and yours alone to make. I would do as much research in the little time you have to make that decision, but whatever you decide, always know how truly beautiful you are and that we are all here to support you. Sending you much love and prayers, Vickie