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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do Patients Have The Right To Choose Between Lumpectomy And Mastectomy?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Beaufort, SC

My breasts are smallish, but lump is fair size. I have 1 more chemo treatment before surgery

August 27, 2024
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A MyBCTeam Member

Why can’t they do some kind of imaging after chemo or radiation is done before doing any surgery? I think too often doctors just want to do mastectomies without even knowing if cancer is still in the Breast

August 27, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Unless a woman has a real aggressive cancer or tumor markers that give a high risk for recurrence, I don't think mastectomy is needed.
When I met my surgeon, she said she would do a lumpectomy and when I told her I would not do chemo she recommended mastectomy. So essentially, she was giving me a choice: Lumpectomy with chemo or mastectomy. I was considered Stage 2.
If women who have a lump and its not aggressive, the choice should be chemo/radiation first if women agree to it, then a mammogram to see if the tumor responded to treatment. If it did, then lumpectomy should be enough.

August 28, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

My surgeon showed me what biopsy had found and explained why she was recommending the surgery that she was. She answered all my questions so I followed her recommendations. She got it all the first try. No repeat surgeries.

August 28, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

So the surgeon manipulated you in getting the surgery, Chrissy?

August 28, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

They didn't offer me a choice. I chose No thank you on surgery.
The surgeon was not having no for my answer.
0 cancer in all 15 lymphnodes removed! 0 cancer in chest wall and breast tissue! Treatment worked!!!
I said why the surgery???
Well WE JUST DON'T KNOW!??!!
was the reply! Now I deal with all the cording lymphodema and neuropathy for just not knowing! My trunk all the way to my pinky tip of finger is numb! I hate it! It's breathe taking 😌

August 28, 2024

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