undecided - mastecomy or lumpectomy

[popvendr321]

I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. I have 1 mass that is 3.5 and a cyst that is 2.5 - not in the lymph nodes - just got back the BRAC test - everything good there. My Doctor and husband are both pushing for a lumpectomy and radiation. I feel that being so young (43) that a mastecomy is right since I have so long to live that I don't want to have to worry about it coming back. Plus if it does come back - if will come off anyway.
Both my husband and Doctor feel that least invasive, no real time off of work... I work with my husband in our own business and also cut hair for a living..my husband thinks, ok work during the day, get radiation in the evening, life continues as normal, sleep all night. Still do housework, dinners, etc. No big difference in life.
I guess my question is, do I make the decision with MY gut or follow what the Doctor reccommmend, since he IS the Specialist in this? AND is a regular life possible during radiation treatments?

[popvendr321]

Hi All,
It has been a while ... I thought I would update! I had my bilateral with expansions put in last Monday. I am feeling really good. I am draining only very little, and have very little pain, actually no pain, just a little pressure every now an then. I was in the hospital only for about 26 hours total and was up and running around by the 3rd day! I don't like the way the scares look, so I am hoping that they will pretty up in time! They aren't straight or even. (some encouragement is needed here!!??) Some good news is that the pathology report came back negative! So all of the lumps we were finding were nothing!
I hate it that I cannot get right back into work..I work as a barber and they said no work for 2 weeks minimum. I can't do laundry - which is in a pile as tall as I am! And the floors are getting kind of dirty! BUT oh well..if my kids aren't going to do it for me, I won't worry about it!
On the bright side, I am going to Chicago to see Joel Osteen on the 6th, and I am SO EXCITED! It will be a long car ride, but he is worth it! (we live in the Cleveland area)
Just wanted to update you all in case you were wondering!
Talk to you all soon!
Lisa

[japdip]

I think I would mention the new lump before the surgery; it's nice to know what you're "getting into" even tough you're having a Bilateral. I suppose you have seee the plastic Surgeon regarding your reconstruction and he/she would be the best one to advise as to which procedure would be most appropriate for you. Wishing you the very best for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery.  Congratulations to your Daughter on her Graduation too. Regards ....

[popvendr321]

OK Ladies, I have my surgery scheduled for July 18th! My daughter's graduation is the 17th! I am scared and excited in the same thought! The docs have finally agreed with me - so I am having a bi-lateral mastecomy with reconstruction.
I have found another lump in my "good" breast and don't know if I should tell them about it ahead of the surgery or just wait. Any ideas???
Also, I have to give them a final answer about HOW I want to reconstruct. In looking at all of the ways to do it, I don't think I saw one that said an implant along with some of my own like stomach tissue and fat. Is there such a thing?They told me I don't have enough in my stomach for only using that, but I was wondering if they could do it using both? Anyone know?
My docs put me on Lyrica for the neuropathy, and it seems to have worked some.... I still feel like I am working with band-aids on my fingers, but it is getting better! I have been having some of the common side effects from the drug, but I am not sure they are bad enough to quit taking them.
I have had my last treatment of herceptin!! WOOO HOOO !!! And I am feeling pretty good these days!
I hope everyone is doing great and will check back for answers soon!
Take care,
Lisa

[japdip]

That's easy to do ..... LE was the ONE thing I most dreaded and I know that sounds ridiculous when you're dealing with BC but that's the way I felt about it. Carry the purse on the other side .... I do and even though I admit that I'm probably NOT as careful as I should be, I do try to keep it in mind and make adjustments when I can and NOT overdo when I can avoid it. If you have the opportunity to speak to a Therapist who specializes in LE treatment it would be an eye-opening experience. Take care now ........

[popvendr321]

I thought the 10 lb rule was for while you were healing up. Do you mean that is for the rest of my life??!! My purse sometimes weighs more than 10 lbs!! I will look into LE more, as I did do some reading on it, but not a whole lot. I guess that even though I thought I was going into this eyes wide open, I have had the blinders half on. I need to read some more!
Thanks,
Lisa

[popvendr321]

Thanks for you r input. I have already decided to talk to my doctors about the swelling and such to see if something can be done. I took all of my rings off of both hands and feel so naked! The feet seem to be a little better, not all gone, but better than they were. But my hands are not stopping with the tingling and the pain. It is mostly the burning that is making me nuts!
With being BRAC positive, why didn't they remove both breasts for you and your Mom? I thought that was kind of standard for BRAC +?
Thanks,
Lisa