Your Choices


Like many women with an early diagnosis, you may be told you are a candidate for a lumpectomy or mastectomy. How do you make such an important decision? Break it down. I looked at the pros and cons of each.

lumpectomy

Pros

  • Easier surgery.
  • Rest of the breast and the other breast remain intact

Cons

  • I didn’t trust my breast that had cancer.
  • I’m not sure I trusted the other breast either.
  • Breasts can be significantly different in size.
  • Radiation therapy would be needed. I didn’t want mamm-ograms every 6 months.
  • Since I’m a great worrier, I felt the stress associated with the retesting was not to my benefit.

mastectomy with implants

Pros

  • This would remove the tissue I didn’t trust.
  • Perky appearance even when the rest of me is shriveled.
  • Radiation therapy typically not necessary.

Cons

  • A longer surgery, more recovery time.
  • Implants do not feel completely natural.
  • Implants need to be replaced periodically.
  • Loss of sensation.

mastectomy with natural tissue reconstruction

Pros

  • More youthful looking breasts made with me!
  • Benefit of the appearance of a tummy tuck.
  • My tissue expands and contracts with me.
  • My tissue never needs to be replaced.
  • Radiation typically not necessary.

Cons

  • A longer surgery, more recovery time.
  • Loss of sensation.

to help you make this decision, ask yourself these questions:

  1. do you trust your breast with cancer?
  2. do you trust your other breast?
  3. considering your overall health and age, can you tolerate a  longer surgery?
  4. are you willing to consider a surgical option that requires revisions every decade or so?

*Disclaimer: The information contained herein is intended to help you make decisions and make your journey easier. It is not intended to replace consultation with your medical professionals. You should seek the best path that fits your situation as these are very personal decisions.*

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