partial mastectomy vs complete mastectomy

[wandel]

I was diagnosed with dcis.  I decided on a partial mastectomy and radiation.  After considering all my other medical problems, I am not sure what would be the best for me.  I have been under treatment for nocardiosis pneumonia for 1 1/2 years - just finishing my course of medication 1 week ago.  I also have bronchiecstasis which is not curable and have trouble staying clear of lung problems.  Knowing this, I just want to choose the safest way of dealing with this and not having to keep undergoing treatments. Can you help me?



This discussion is related to partial masectomy vs total masectomy.

[healthcareguerilla]

Wondering if an excisional biopsy, or a lumpectomy was suggested, as you state this is an in-situ ductal cancer.  Have you only seen the one set of doctors regarding your diagnosis.

[japdip]

I believe you best source of information and advice would be your Oncologist AND your other Physicians who are treating your additional medical issues. It would also depend on whether you are considering any type of reconstruction following whichever type of surgery you are considering. Since you have serious lung issues there needs to be some cooperation between your Pulmonary Specialist and the Anesthesiologist regardless of which surgery you choose. I would also include the Radiation Specialist regarding radiation to the chest area considering your lung problems. Either way this would be a complicated situation.   Regards ...