I haven't had any surgery or radiation. I have no family history of breast cancer. The primary tumor was about 7cm at diagnosis. After one month, it was no longer palpable, CT scan at 4 months showed it was gone and my bone mets were healed. Both doctors say a mastectomy in not in my cards, "the barn door has been opened" and current, standard treatment is to not have the mastectomy. I have no problem with having one (or no) breasts, this is definitely not a body image problem I am having. I want to see my children grow into adults. I want to do what is best for my health and if pushing for a mastectomy is what it takes, I will do it. But... I also want to know if that will stir up cells that should not be stirred up. I continue to struggle with what to do.
Val... I live in West Bend, 20 miles north of Milwaukee.
Thanks for all of your comments and helpful advice.
Laura
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