Is a mastecotmy with reconstruction better than a lumpectomy?

I am resolved to mutilating my body one way or another to get rid of the cancer. Just looking for women who may have an opinion one way or the other. Thank you in advance.

I personally opted for a mastectomy even after being offered a lumpectomy. I just felt there was less of a chance of the cancer coming back. The reconstruction is fine....it won't be perfect again by any means but I can tell you are resolved to be rid of the cancer more than having perfect breasts so if you took the mastectomy route then I'm sure you would do just fine with it.

I do not speak from experience, but you really should discuss this with your doctor. I understand that a lumpectomy w/radiation is as effective as a mastecotmy.

good luck to you

They use to just do a radical mastectomy - removing muscle too- it was very traumatic and unnecessary. Small tumors that have not spread to lymph nodes - why remove more? The chance of the cancer returning to that spot is small. The chance that it will appear in the other breast is greater. So is the chance that it will appear elsewhere in the body.
For me: keep the boobs - clean up the diet and lifestyle to keep it from rearing it's ugly head.
I did meet a fellow survivor who had both breast removed because of her fears and had a trans flap reconstruction - they use the skin and fat from your belly - she said "what's not to like? I got bigger boobs and a flat stomach". But I also saw another reconstruction that was not the most "lifelike" thing in the world.
Now - read the book "Waking the Warrior Goddess".

i had a lumpectomy . you can't tell the difference in the two breasts unless you really look for it. good luck and God bless you. whatever you decide will be right for you.

I have had a mastectomy with tram reconstructive surgery. My surgeon recommended lumpectomy and when i confronted her about what my oncologist had told me, i was sent for a MRI of my breast. she called and said that the oncologist was right that a mastectomy would have to be done. by no means I'm not cancer free, my cancer had spread to lymph nodes, they removed 9 nodes and could not remove anymore. muscles and nerves were cut during the process. it all depends weather your cancer has spread and what type of cancer you have and also what stage your cancer is in.trust your oncologist if you don't may i suggest you get a second opinion. good luck