Is It Safe To Have Mastectomy For Breast Cancer?

Posted on Thu, 21 May 2015

Question: Thank you doctor for answering my other questions about my breast cancer.

I am considering not having the surgery - the mastectomy. It is expensive, and we cannot afford it. If I make this decision, what can be done to keep me alive for awhile?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Will need more details

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for getting back.

As far as I can understand, you had bilateral breast cancer and received upfront chemotherapy for a few cycles. Now the disease has shrunk but you are unable to undergo the surgery because of logistics.

Now I need to know the biopsy reports of the two cancers, especially the estrogen, porgesterone and her2 receptor status. Also the stage of each of them, any CT or bone scans which were done and which type of chemo you have received for how many cycles. Any recent Ultrasound or mammograms as well.

I am sure we can do something to keep the disease under control for some time till you can arrange the surgery.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar