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Terri B · 07-18-2008, 01:36 PM

Hi Rebecca,

As most of the great advise here says, it's ultimately going to be your choice. But since you are asking...

I opted for a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction rather than a lumpectomy for several reasons:

1) after the initial diagnosis, my MRI showed another "spot" in the right breast and another in the left
2) the path report came back HER2+++ and grade 3 (9/9 richardson)
3) I had such BIG boobs that I had considered reduction anyway.
4) I never considered only one side. What good is one boob without the other?
5) I didn't want to be bothered with more needle biopsies or mammograms or ultrasounds in the future in the remaining breast tissue. Period.

I am VERY happy with my decision. I haven't worn a bra since April!!

Hang in there. It's all very very scary. But we'll be here for you!

07-18-2008, 01:36 PM	#9
Terri B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: me & my three HANDSOME grandsons!!Jacksonville, Arkansas Posts: 354	Hi Rebecca, As most of the great advise here says, it's ultimately going to be your choice. But since you are asking... I opted for a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction rather than a lumpectomy for several reasons: 1) after the initial diagnosis, my MRI showed another "spot" in the right breast and another in the left 2) the path report came back HER2+++ and grade 3 (9/9 richardson) 3) I had such BIG boobs that I had considered reduction anyway. 4) I never considered only one side. What good is one boob without the other? 5) I didn't want to be bothered with more needle biopsies or mammograms or ultrasounds in the future in the remaining breast tissue. Period. I am VERY happy with my decision. I haven't worn a bra since April!! Hang in there. It's all very very scary. But we'll be here for you! __________________ Terri B. 46 yrs. young Dx IDC 3/6/08 1.5 cm & .6 cm grade III, Stage IIA es/pr- Her2+++, 9/9 richardson Double Mast w/expanders 4-14-08 3/9 nodes positive. additional excision rt breast 4-25-08 weekly T/H x 12 (6-2-08) Done! FEC x4 (9-8-08) Last one 11-10-08! Herceptin complete 8/10/09!! 33 RADS DONE 2/13/09! rt. breast biopsy 3/20/09 .. B9!! reconstruction complete! DEEEEEEported on 5/19/10!! almost 5 YEARS NED!!