Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy, Single vs. Double & Breast Reconstruction - Lots to consider!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- LUMPECTOMY VS. MASTECTOMY. This video details the factors that I considered when choosing between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
➡️ FREE Stretching Guide - breast-cancer-rehab.ck.page/s...
➡️ Printable Step-By-Step GUIDES for Post-Surgery Rehab & Common Side Effects - breastcancerrehab.myshopify.com
There is a lot to consider in making this decision! The factors will apply differently to all of us but my rationale can hopefully provide you with some insight when making your own decision.
✅ Cosmetic appearance
✅ Radiation effects
✅ Sensation changes
✅ "Realness" to breasts
✅ Function of breasts
✅ Recovery after surgery
✅ Risk reduction & survival rates
✅ Future screening/anxiety
✅ Single vs. double mastectomy
✅ How reconstruction factors in
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If you're choosing a MASTECTOMY - this video covers 3 Must Do’s BEFORE surgery. These helped with my recovery after surgery. - th-cam.com/video/hvKUt_IoL4I/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much - I’m in the decision stage and it’s so helpful to hear rationale from a survivor instead of surgeons. Perceived risk over the next 30 years is everything. - Sister DC
Heather, so glad you were able to watch this when you're in the decision stage. I always wanted to hear other survivor's experiences - and still do. Are you a chiropractor too (DC)?
As a breast cancer survivor, I would have loved to have had this to watch before! Thank you for doing this for all the women and men out there who have a diagnosis and a very important decision to make!
Thank you for your feedback. I’m making videos that I wished I would’ve had going through treatment too!
Thank you so Much! The scariest part is not knowing what to expect.
I agree - so many unknowns going through cancer treatment. I’m purposely making videos on what to expect with the different stages of treatment as this is what I wanted to know.
I'm older with a 3 generation family history of breast cancer, one person in my own generation. For me, double mastectomy, including going flat or nipple sparing at most, would be the best options for feeling I won't find myself revisiting this issue. I'm currently scheduled to undergo diagnosis, so this might look different to me should the possibility become a necessity. But having your video is already helping me prepare for what might be ahead. Thank you for letting me and others like walk in your shoes for a few moments❤
Wow, thank you for your comments! I’m trying to pay it forward with all the information that I would’ve wanted when I went through treatment. A double mastectomy has definitely given me a little more peace of mind, but it’s not always the right option for everyone.
This was a very helpful video. Thank you. I’m 3 years out from my lumpectomy, and radiation has left me very lopsided. Having just had a clear Mammo and ultrasound, I decided this is the time for reconstruction.
I would’ve been unhappy with being lopsided too as I really cared about the cosmetic appearance. Hoping you are more satisfied after reconstruction…it will be worth it!
Very helpful. Thanks❤
Erica, thank you so so so much. I am so happy I found this channel. Your videos and all the information, recommendations and exercises are SO incredibly helpful ❤
Thanks for your comment! Glad the info has been so helpful.
So good. Thank you!! ❤️👏
You're welcome!
So thorough, so helpful. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I cannot say how much all this info has helped! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very informative, it has helped a lot.❤
You’re welcome! Glad it was so helpful.
Straight forward and to the point... I really appreciated you sharing this and your personal experience with your decision. Thank you.
Thanks for the feedback. Glad it was helpful!
I was just thinking how much I appreciate your videos. They are to the point, you've done the research and are presenting the this in a great manner that is relatable and understandable. I feel I'm not giving you the credit due for these videos and to be honest, I've misplaced my brain, but I'm hoping it comes across as I intended. You're videos, extensive research, and personal experience bring this around in full circle.@@breast-cancer-rehab
THANK YOU SO MUCH ❤
You're welcome! 😊 I hope it was helpful.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for addressing the issues I’m considering now. Very helpful ❤
Wishing you confidence and peace with your decision!
Thank you for posting this video. Very balanced.
You’re welcome! I’m assuming by balanced you mean discussing all the options. That was the aim.
Thank you so much. I watched a lot of your viedos last couple months since diagnosed. All are very informative and straight to the point. My double mastectomy and reconstruction is coming in one week. Will follow your other viedos regarding after surgery.
Welcome to the channel! Hope all goes well with your surgery next week.
Your videos are awesome
Thanks Olga! I hope the info helped.
Thanks for the video - very helpful
Glad it was helpful! So much to think about at this stage.
Hello I was diagnosed with DCIS 6/22. I did a lumpectomy 1st. I found your channel because I thought about if I should just get a double mastectomy. I wanted to be done. No more mammograms, no radiation to prevent recurrence and no tamoxifen. I am 40 and lift weights very active too. I'm in health care as well a nurse. I'm very happy with my decision my exchange surgery is tomorrow. When I was deciding seeing you in the gym on your video was what sealed the deal❤. You are much braver than me! I'm so happy I chose this route. You were more helpful than my team of doctors trying to convince to to do radiation/lumpectomy instead. My mother passed of breast cancer at 42. So the mastectomy has helped get rid of much unnecessary anxiety. THANKYOU!!
Wow, I'm glad to hear this video has been so impactful for you. Choosing between the surgeries is such a big decision. I actually think it’s brave to do a double mastectomy after already having a lumpectomy. I hope that does give you some peace of mind especially with your mom’s passing. All the best with your recovery after your exchange surgery!
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thanks 💕
I'm so confused!! IM UP FOR SURGERY I HAVE TRIPLE NEGATIVE STAGE 2, SO MY DECISION MAKING is unclear I wanted do the One side mastectomy but now thinking about Lumpectomy.. my surgery is March 7, my breast size is 38DD, I have no Lymph nodes under right Arm where cancer is located Tumor on my right breast has went down from 2.3cm but it was big last year 8.6cm July 2023... Any advice my first breast Jounery I'm 45 years old... I just don't want cancer come back hit left breast I wanted double mastectomy told me one breast at a time..
Please help
@shunrhondajefferson9794 The challenging part with choosing what surgery to do is that there isn’t just one right option…there’s only the best option for you. If you’re leaning towards doing a double mastectomy and your surgeon is saying only one breast at a time, you may want to get a second opinion with another surgeon. Or, advocate more with your current surgeon and tell them your reasoning for wanting a double rather than a single. Best of luck!
This is so, so helpful. I wish we had found this video about six weeks ago. You are so clear--and do so great addressing perceived risk and anxiety issues. I wish my wife's doctors all memorized your points and made sure to make them when they discussed these points with her right away. The one thing I would suggest is to integrate molecular testing into this discussion. My wife advocated to get a DCIS RT test before any decision--and got her score back for 9.5 out of 10 risk for recurrence. So higher than the high range of what is the standard stat for DCIS (10 per cent every 10 years, half of which is risk for invasive). This, along with talking to the plastic surgeon about how much breast tissue would be taken (along with ratio) for a lumpectomy, helped her decide on mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. Again, thank you, thank you for making this!
Thanks for sharing! It will be especially helpful for women reading this who have DCIS and are considering the options that your wife did. My cancer was invasive so I didn’t have this test.
@@breast-cancer-rehab Exactly, yes. I've also heard about molecular testing for invasive, too, though--Oncotype DX, I think. Thank you again for all your awesome videos!
I did Oncotype DX testing. It helps determine whether you’re likely to benefit from chemotherapy and the chance of the cancer returning. I was fortunate to have a low score. You’re welcome for the videos!
Thank you for such informative video.
Im in stage 1 n couldn't decide whether its lumpec or mastec.
I hv small breasts n am now leaning towards mastec.
I wish im as decisive as u are.
It has been 3 weeks now. 😢 since i knew..
So much to take in all at once! I’m not usually that decisive with everything but for some reason I was with this. Hoping whatever decision you make sits right with you.
I wish I had chosen a DMX myself, but I kind of did choose that in a round about way. Lol. I know that doesn't make sense. I was diagnosed with stage 3 hormone + IDC in January 2015. I had 4 rounds A/C, 12 rounds Taxol, an SMX to the right breast, and 30 rounds of radiation. That protocol took a majority of the year of 2015. In December, they finally paid attention to the remaining left breast and found Atypia. I had a stereotactic biopsy, and they claimed to have removed all the area in question. I was so tired of being poked and prodded, and I didn't want MORE of that so soon after finishing active treatment for the right side. I had a diep flap scheduled for that following summer, and I insisted they remove the remaining left breast when I had the diep surgery. My breast surgeon didn't want to do this at first, but I explained how I was tired of the active treatment and also wanted more symmetry. She finally obliged. Pathology returned, showing I had lobular carcinoma in situ in the remaining left breast. Lobular tends to be harder to detect in any other way than through surgery (though imaging seems to be improving). I've heard of many other pink sisters ALSO finding Lobular carcinoma that went undetected in any other way than through surgery. That could have been growing without me or my care team even knowing - - especially since I do not get CT scans or MRIs unless I have consistent worries.
That's definitely a longer road to get to a double mastectomy. What a blessing to find the lobular cancer when you did. I can understand not wanting to do on-going surveillance of the other side AND also wanting symmetry. So many things to consider and they're different for all of us!
Thank you, this is very helpful! I’m in the midst of a surgery decision right now. I never thought about trying to put on deodorant after lymph node surgery so it’s nice to be prepared for that 😂
Good luck with your decision.
Trying to decide which is best for me right now. This videos is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! Good luck with your decision - so much to think about when deciding.
Great video and thanks, may I pls ask what screening you need to do at all after a double mastectomy? Like you I had 1 lymph node involved, do you do any blood tests or MRI every year pls? Thank you! Love your videos 🙏❤️
I don’t do mammograms because there’s no breast tissue to image after a double mastectomy. I think I’ll do MRIs in the future, but more to check on my implants, not necessarily cancer. I do blood work 2x/yr. I wish there was more to check on-going for reassurance!!
@@breast-cancer-rehab I've heard of this test Signatera (blood) that can indicate a chance of recurrence 12 months before anything shows up in scan. You may want to investigate if it is right for you. Reassurance is the right word here for sure 💕
@@TheBubbleBia Yes, I have considered doing a ctDNA test but haven't done it yet.
What about getting cancer in the tissue in the flap in the future
Sandra, that’s a great question for your surgical oncologist/plastic surgeon. That’s out of my area of expertise.
Is it safe to have an implant. I hade a masectomy one year ago. Thank you very much for your answer.
Best regards, Virginia
Virginia - Yes, reconstruction surgery can be delayed from your mastectomy surgery. Not everyone decides to do it immediately at the time of their mastectomy. Your options for reconstruction will depend on quite a few factors and a plastic surgeon will be the best person to discuss what option would work best for you.
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thank you so much for your responsed ⚘️💕
I met a lady who was having her consultation to have her reconstruction 2 years post mastectomy
Hello, Can I ask how painful was your mastectomy. I have stage 2 breast cancer (in the breast and spread to one lymph node) and try to see I can handle pain of mastectomy and I am 61 yrs old. Thank you for a great video information.
I had the same as you - stage 2 & one node positive. The pain from the mastectomy wasn’t terrible. I found the drains more painful than the actual pain from surgery. I took pain meds for a number of days then the pain was easing. The rehab exercises help.
I had DCIS and had implants and they pushed lumpectomy with radiation and I had dense breast tissue - I have heard that radiation can really have an effect on the skin and on the implant and because I also would have to go on the medication (ER/PR positive) I decided to do the double nipple sparing mastectomy-my regret tho was the surgeon can go under the breast as the vertical scar from armpit to breast caused indents on each side. I found your videos bc I am now 8 weeks from surgery (reconstruct again bc of that) and no one said anything specific about the scar massage - only moving the implant around thank you 😊
You’re right there can be side effects with radiation and implants - I have some of them! I can see why you would be regretful with your scar location and resulting indent. I think that many of us look in the mirror and wish we could change something about our reconstruction! Glad you found the scar massage tips helpful.
So if you are ER positive and you do double mastectomy you dont need hormone therapy such as Tamoxifen?
@@TheBubbleBia Hi yes that is what my doctor had said. I did not go on that.
@@TheBubbleBia Every case is different. I was ER positive, had a double mastectomy, radiation and I'm doing hormone therapy (Tamoxifen).
What implant is the safest? What did you choose? How do you know it hasn’t come back in the chest wall with mastectomy?
I relied on the expertise of my plastic surgeon to choose the appropriate implant for me. Mine were Mentor SMHX-310 (smooth round moderate high profile Xtra 310cc). I don’t do any surveillance testing (eg: mammogram) ongoing as I don’t have any breast tissue remaining after a double mastectomy. I had radiation, I’m on Tamoxifen and the risk of local recurrence on the chest wall is low.
@@breast-cancer-rehabwill you have to take the pill tamoxifen for the rest of your life,or just until they clear you
@@nealjones84 I’ll be on Tamoxifen for 8 more years (10 yrs in total).
@@breast-cancer-rehab good 👍 luck and 🙏 prayers to your healthy lifestyle! You look great 👍
@breast-cancer-rehab I might have missed this but why did you have to have radiation and take tamoxifen if you had a double mastectomy? I'm having a double mastectomy and told that I don't have to have radiation or use tamoxifen which is why I chose a double mastectomy over lumpectomy. I've gotten a lot of conflicting information between my medical oncologist surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon and I'm worried I'll find out at some point that I still have to have radiation and tamoxifen even though I've given up my breasts.
If you have one side cancer and you choose to do double mastectomy, will the insurance cover the healthy side?
Insurance covered it in my case (Canada) but I’m not sure if that’s always the case.
If one decided not to have reconstruction after full mastec, subsequently few mths later regretted n wanted reconstruction, can it still it done?
Yes. Your options for reconstruction would be different at that stage. Eg: if you had flat closure for the first surgery then you may need autologous reconstruction (DIEP, lat flap with implants) as your skin can't be stretched to put an implant underneath.
Shortly after my left side mastec, I felt my right side nipple area had a lump underneath as well as at the side of the nipple. I'm just afraid it's cancerous. Awaiting results after my scan. If it's cancer, should I do mastec n reconstruct both sides? Or should I do lumpec on right right n reconstruct both sides.
Even if it's non cancerous, I may be thinking of removing the lump outside close to nipple as sometimes the slight uncomfortable feeling is disturbing. Still thinking should I remove whole breast (mastec) or partial only nipple area n some cysts/lumps underneath. Could I have your view on this. Thank you so much.