Mastectomy or Lumpectomy?

I had breast cancer 28 years ago and had a mastectomy and reconstruction. Tumor was 9mm in size and 17 nodes were taken; none involved.

Now I have a 8 mm cancer (Invasive Ductal like the last one.  I see the surgeon on Jan 5th.

Now I'm wondering: should I have a lumpectomy if it is feasible (by breast is barely a B cup size) If I do I will need radiation which worries me as I also have Afib and take a blood thinner.

The implant in the right breast has a small tear in it. The radiologist doesn't think silicone is going into my system, but I'll see what the surgeon says.

I'm considering having a mastectomy and reconstruction and also a new implant on the right side.

But on the other hand, I'm almost 75; what is the point of reconstruction at this age?

I really don't know what to do.

Any suggestions?

[japdip]

Of course it's going to be your decision and yours alone BUT you ask "what's the point at your age" ... my answer to that is ---- If you are considering it then that's the point ... at any age. Sounds like you're going to need some surgery on the other side so why not ??  You've been thru the mastectomy/recon. once so you know all about it. I certainly understand your concern regarding Radiation .... be sure that with mastectomy it won't be recommended anyway though. You know the age of 75 isn't what it was even 10 or 15 years ago so I don't see any reason not to go ahead with your plan for mastectomy/recon/and new implant on the right.  Regards .....

[tnmc36045]

even though you're 75 n have af n are takin oral anticoagulants you should go through the radical mastectomy. there's no need for any implant. post op rt isn't goin to harm your health. go thru the drill, you'll live many years more than 90. your heart n your brain will do all your work for you, just go thru it

[bundleblocker]

Thanks so much to you and tnmc.  I guess I won't be able to decide until I see the surgeon; which will be on the 12th.  

Meanwhile I'm trying to stay positive about this whole thing so that I don't active my Afibs.

[Cheerpul]

The decision to have reconstruction is up to the woman involved and what she is comfortable with.  Age is irrelevant.  I  am 48 and had a mastectomy and 19 nodes (all negative) removed Oct. 2009 and had a prophylactic mastectomy Dec. 16, 2010 after finishing chemo and Herceptin.  I opted not to do reconstruction and am throwing a bra-burning party in a couple of months to celebrate life.  I feel a little underdressed without a bra right now, but am looking forward to being free by the time a hot summer rolls around.  I was barely a b cup to begin with, so even people who know can't tell.  

It is all in the attitude and how you feel best.  If you want to do reconstruction, go for it.  If not, that is ok, too.  The main thing is to treat the cancer and then live your life doing the things you want to do and being with the people you love.  And the people who love you aren't going to care if you have reconstruction or not.  They'll love you just the same either way.  Thinking of you.

[bundleblocker]

Thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate your thoughts. I'm thinking too of how "free" I would feel without wearing a bra.  

Of course it all depends whether the surgeon thinks I need a mastectomy. I might get by with just a lumpectomy.  

I see the surgeon for the initial consultation next Wednesday.