Do I want a partial mastectomy, a mastectomy or a double mastectomy? This is the question and there are different things that come along with each of those decisions. My tumor is aggressive. It is already at 3 1/2 cm which means that with taking it out (plus an extra cm on each side) I'll be missing 5 1/2 cm in diameter of breast tissue. However, after researching mastectomy's and seeing all that goes into them including complications and recovery, a lumpectomy doesn't sound so bad.
Also, as an added FYI, I had a breast exam this past Spring with my annual. My OBGYN found nothing then, so like I said, this thing has a mind of it's own. I also found out that this tumor does NOT respond to progesterone or estrogen, so hormone therapy is out. This is not common...most of these tumors respond to that. I'll tell you one more thing...I'm seriously OK. I've had a week to think about this all. I have faith in my Dr. and I have a husband who has been nothing be generous, loving and kind. He completely supports any decision I make and has not led me on to any of his opinions. And he's been able to joke with me about all of it, which is a life-saver. I am so thankful for that.
Lauren, I'm so sorry you are going through this. Please know you are in our prayers.
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