Masectomy vs. lumpectomy

[dinnym3]

My mother is 86 years old in good health. She recently had cataract surgery, takes drops for glaucoma, and high blood pressure is controlled with medication. She had a biopsy done about 8 years ago, which was benign. She has micro-calcifications. She recently had a breast biopsy (she felt the lump and it hurt). The path result says less than 1.5cm...poorly differentiated with lobular features. Her surgeon has given her the choice of mastectomy or lumpectomy/radiation. We are wondering which is preferable: the mastectomy with longer time in surgery and harder recovery period or lumpectomy/radiation with side effects of radiation? Thank you for your input!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear dinnym3:  The best option may be to discuss it directly with her.  In some ways a mastectomy may be the easier procedure.  Both lumpectomy and mastectomy require anesthesia (you might check with the surgeon - it may be that the mastectomy is not significantly longer).  Many older people find coming back and forth to radiation every day for 5-6 weeks to be a significant hassle.  On the other hand, the lumpectomy may not be as disfiguring.  It really is her decision.  As long as she knows the risks and benefits of either option, she should be involved in making the decision. It may be helpful for her to meet with a radiation oncologist before the surgery to discuss the pros and cons of each approach.  

[japdip]

This is strictly from personal experience and in no way meant to be a professional opinion ....... I had an excisional biopsy which turned out to be comparable to a lumpectomy (considering the size of your mother's lesion). I found that the Modified Radical Mastectomy was much less painful than the biopsy. Overnight hosp. stay as required by Medicare but I had NO PAIN. There was soreness and some stiffness of course but I followed instructions for arm exercises and had an uneventful recovery. I have never had a second thought regarding my choice. I'm sure the Forum Professional will give you excellent advice shortly. This is a wonderful place to come with unanswered questions. All the best to your mother.

[Happy4825]

I recently had a right Breast Masectomy and sailed threw it with little after pain to my surprise.  I chose this when told I had Breast Cancer. I wanted to make sure the cancer was gone.  I now  take a pill that I hope will keep the cancer from the left Breast.

I am a bit younger than your mom and feel great, there was no other treatment needed.  Good luck to your mom