Join Now
Sign In
When patients have important decisions to make, such as whether to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy, what advice do you give them?
Topic Tags:
Topic Tags:
Diseases:
Diseases:
1
Expert Answers
SherylNessRNOCN (Nurse (Verified) ) - 05 / 24 / 2012
I think that this is a difficult situation for most patients. If their treating oncologist or surgeon is presenting them with the choice, it means that the research shows that for their stage of breast cancer (usually early stage cancer), either option is possible as a potential effective treatment. A good approach is to take the time needed to think carefully through the two options and understand the potential risks and benefits. Talk through the procedures with the surgeon to understand the recovery and post-operative period. They may want to speak to other breast cancer patients who have experienced these procedures as well, just to get an idea of what helped them decide and how they dealt with the surgery and post-operative period. I also explore with them their personal and family history of cancer. I would encourage the patient to think about their primary concerns. I would also ask about their spouse or partner’s feelings…have they discussed the options together? What are their physical and sexual concerns? Breasts can be an important part of a woman’s identity. Do they understand reconstruction options if they choose mastectomy. Is recurrence of their cancer a concern? Also, is radiation also a part of the equation? In exploring the options, it is important for the patient to understand fully what they are deciding. Resources, reading materials, images and decision guides can be helpful as they are weighing their options. Mayo Clinic has an excellent book – Mayo Clinic Guide to Women’s Cancers, currently available, and soon to be revised and reprinted in October of 2012 as the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Book. Mayoclinic.com website has excellent resources and images that describe both procedures as well as the reconstruction process.
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
All Cancers
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
