[Mary Jo]

Hi Liz,

Of course as you know a prophylactic mastectomy is a very personal decision but I will give you my 2 cents worth.

I, like you, had a right breast mastectomy in July '05. Six months after treatment had ended I had a mammo of my left breast and they found an area of calcification that they thought was "suspicious looking" this "area" was near the chest wall and that's all I needed to hear - so after a stereotactic biopsy and the fears of "oh no not this again..." I knew that no matter what the result the breast was gone. Thankfully the biopsy was benign but I did opt for a prophylactic mastectomy. My surgeon didn't argue with me as she knew that I wanted both breasts removed from the get/go. My insurance approved the prophylactic and the rest is history.......

Me personally, I have never regretted the decision. Not once. When the pathology report came back from the prophylactic surgery, everthing was fine. Nothing - nada - and the Breast Care Clinic and myself were all cheering. I couldn't have been happier.

Now here I am 2 years and 7 months out (almost 8 months) and I am now in the process of preparing for DIEP reconstruction that will take place June 17th.

Good luck with your decision making.................

Mary Jo