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Re: mastectomy versus lumpectomy for HER2
I had a lumpectomy and radiation but only had one point of concern. I question my choice all the time in not having a bilateral masectomy which 3 surgeons told me to absolutely not have. I had other opinions because I couldn't fathom what the first surgeon was saying. I will say that I am super diligent about mammograms, MRI and self exam. If anything ever happens again, both will be promptly removed without hesitation. I sometimes think about just getting them removed with immediate reconstruction and know what surgical/reconstruction team I would use regardless.
So far (over 9 years out), I am happy with my choice but I still have both breasts and they both look good but I have that concern of a new breast cancer in the back of my mind. Certainly something about me and my genetics got me in this situation once and I feel I am at more risk than the average woman for it to happen again. I also sometimes think of just getting them removed with no reconstruction because maybe that's how I am supposed to be. But that's me not anyone else. I agree with the others that a second opinion may be in order. I get second opinions on all major things.
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Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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