lumpectomy vs bi-lateral mastectomy

[gardengirl2010]

Just diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer last week.  I'm a candidate for lumpectomy and radiation, but surgeon thinks I should have bi-lateral mastectomy because of family history (mother and 4 sisters had bc but no BRCA1 or 2).  I'm PR and ER+ and HER2-. I've lost confidence in diagnostic system as lesion showed up on 3/09 MRI and was 5cc then but determined to be a cyst.  It's now 1.5 cm and I was never given option of biopsy or told of previous findings (I now know to get copies of ALL reports).  I know bi-lateral mastectomy is a huge irreversible step but want to minimize my chances of repeat cancer.  How much will the mastectomy protect me from future recurrences vs lumpectomy given my family history.  I know 5 yr survival rates are same in most cases but wonder if my family history significantly changes those odds.

[Cheerpul]

I had breast cancer in one breast, with a mastectomy followed by chemo, and am having my second mastectectomy in two weeks as a preventative measure.  I was ER+/PR+ and Her2+.  The percentage of breast tissue that is removed is equal to the percentage of reduction in your chances of getting breast cancer.  Hence, a mastectomy at 90-99% of breast tissue removed means a very low chance of breast cancer recurrance.  However, there is always the possibility that the small amount of tissue left could grrow cancer or cancer cells that have already gone elsewhere in the body could grow there.  So, even with a bilateral mastectomy we need to remain vigilant.  However, I am looking forward to much greater peace of mind.

I had my first mastectomy in October 2009 and can tell you that it wasn't bad.  I had a great surgeon and just a thin, pink line as a scar.  The recovery was not bad and I was back to work very quickly.  I choose not to have reconstruction and am very happy with my results.  If I can help you in any way, please ask.  I am thinking of you.

[ayanpaul06]

see whether u should have a lumpectomy or mastectomy depends upon the stage of the tumour which in turn depends upon the size, local invasion, lymph node involvement,etc. Family history is not the only standpoint. further if u have a lumpectomy then u need to have radiation therapy and a strict follow up schedule with ur doctor. why bilateral do u have tumour in both of them?

[valliboy]

Hey. been there done that all of it... but how were you diagnosed with IDC without any biopsy? You haven't had surgery right? I had a huge mass in my B, and went to the Dr. for mammo,,, ok.. bad result... so sent me to radioloigist asap... did U.S. then that was not good.. this all happend in about an hour..... he said.. I need to do a needle biopsy.. etc.. I was crying ... only had one valiumn... from my Dr. that sent me there.... I have white coat syndrome.. it is weird to lay there when they look at you ,ll.. like wow.she is really sick... and they dont tell yu.. you look at their faces... then a few months later.. you really know..... stage 3 invasive cancer... 44 y.o. and had to plan my mom's funeral during all of this to0.. she had uterine cancer... 8 months ..dead... my best friend... but moving forward... I have gained a lot of first hand  knowledge going thru chemo... my tumor was soo big... i didn't want mastect. so my surgeons at Moffit suggested lumpect. ok.. I am soooooooooooo glad that I opted for that... I would never .. looking back after all I have been thru.. to have a rediculous mastectomy.. my gawd.. my best surgeons didn't even suggest to   remove them...  they knew what to do.... they "chemo" me to shrink the tumor.. and then it really worked... the tumor shrunk 50 % and then I did have to go thru weeks of radiation.. ( i chose my mom's radioligist) my brother went with me.. he also drove me moffitt every week.. after mom died...  he took care  of me... and now .............whew... I hope you are going to be  in good hands girl..i wouldnt have my breasts removed..
It is really hard to talk about all of this.. everyone is in a different and special place.. but I am just telling u that I am already there  and still fighting... i have a long road.. but work hard every day... 45 hours week... my hair is back.... yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!