Next step is to get rid of that lump (and thus most or all of the cancer cells). Depending on a number of factors (including size; whether any other lumps have been detected, and the various ways the pathologist interpreted your particular cancerous cells), you may have a lumpectomy, where just the lump and some surrounding tissue is removed; or a mastectomy, where all of the breast tissue in that breast is removed. If you have a lumpectomy, it’ll probably be followed by radiation to kill any leftover cancer cells in your breast. And if lymph nodes are involved you may be advised to have chemotherapy, as well. Depending on your age and the biology of your cancer, chemotherapy is sometimes recommended even if the lymph nodes are not involved.
Editor's Note: Also check out our special section on treatment options for infiltrating/invasive ductal carcinoma, with advice from survivors and physicians.
Q. How do I decide whether to have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy? Do I make that choice, or will the doctor tell me what to do
A. Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy is one of the toughest decisions a woman with breast cancer has to make (if she’s given the opportunity for that decision). Some women, no matter how small the lump, decide they can’t stand the thought of cancer in their breast, and would just as soon get rid of the breast than continue to worry about it. Other women prefer the less invasive lumpectomy procedure, trusting and hoping that between that and radiation, the cancer will be killed.
Will your doctor tell you what to do? Probably not. Unless it’s very clear that you need a mastectomy, the doctor will leave it up to you to decide–which can be scary and frustrating! See if your hospital or cancer center offers help with making health decisions: something along the lines of a “shared decision making” center, where professionals are trained to help you make just this kind of tough decision. If so, access that resource–I guarantee it’ll be helpful.
Q. How can they tell if the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes?
