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Hi Cheryl,
I also had both breasts removed because when they did my lumpectomy, alsong with her2+ er/pr- IDC and dcis, they found LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) and my surgeon and onc told me it likes to travel and is more likely to show up at a later time in the unaffected breast than the others. Also, I was 36 last year when diagnosed and my reasoning was that I would have a better long term outcome with both breasts removed. I also felt like, at the time, I couldn't have dealt with another surgery a year or 2 down the road. I always keep in the back of my mind that even though they are both gone, every single cell is not removed and cancer can still crop up in the few remaining cells. It is a tough decision, one you have to really base on what you think is best for you. I don't think having both removed presents you with any greater risk during surgery, but it can really be very scarring to your ego and self-esteem. Don't let fear drive your decision. Medical opinions is what I would look to when making an informed decision.
Big hugs and lots of luck to you,
Steph C.
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