[Gerri]

I was Stage 2A Grade 3 as well. My surgeon at a major NCI designated Cancer Care Center would not tell me what to choose, but instead told me he was very comfortable with me having a lumpectomy if I chose to do so. He stated exactly what Debbie L (thanks Debbie!) said, that survival statistics for lumpectomy vs mastectomy are almost identical. I chose a lumpectomy with radiation and am now 5 years out from diagnosis and doing well. Just as Becky stated, if I ever recur in my breast I will most likely go with a bilateral masectomy. For now I am very comfortable and happy with my choice. This is a very personal decision to make and we all have our reasons for choosing as we do, BUT our choices should be based on scientific fact instead of driven by our fears. Seeking more than one opinion (from a breast cancer specialist) is always a good idea.

As helpful as everyone on this site is, we all have to keep in mind that for the most part we are not medical professionals and sometimes statements are made that may be causing others to make important decisions or question their choices based on opinion only. Don't get me wrong, many of the members here are excellent sources for information and their opinions are always backed by science. These are individuals whose advice/opinions I take very seriously because I know that they do their research. On the other hand, every so often an opinion is presented in a post as a fact, but it may not be scientifically sound. I worry that the Newbies take this information and run with it.

Try not to worry needlessly, you have enough going on without second guessing the choice you made based on what others have done. Before you know it, you too will be 5 years out and counting.

Take good care,