Decision Time - Need Advice

[Elizabethtx]

Go with your gut feelings! Reconstruction is always an option, immediate or later, as I have discovered. As I made your decision I asked the onc...she said if it was me or my family I say MX. The surgeon was happier with a lumpectomy. Isn't it funny how they see life differently. The onc sees life and death everyday from cancer, so she believes in trying everything. Her quote to me was "let's do everything we can to rid your body of cancer now, or we wil be chasing cancer for the rest of your life.". That made all the difference for me. You will make the right choice for YOU.
Elizabeth

Hi, I was diagnosed 6 years ago today! I was 45 and had Grade 2 ER+ Her2+ one lymph node+ and 2.75cm tumour...before I even knew pathology I had decided I wanted bilateral mastectomy and nobody was going to change my mind :-) I also had radiotherapy on cancer side.

I don't use any prosthesis and am very happy with my appearance. I had a friend who had recurrence on her chest wall and I like the fact that I can just take my hand over entire area and feel for any lumps or bumps!

I live in Scotland and have spoken to quite a few patients who were refused a mastectomy never mind bilateral.

Good luck with whatever you decide

[Debbie L.]

JRA40,

As you can probably see from the varieties of responses to your question, this is one of the places in breast cancer decision-making where there is not usually a strong medical reason to go one way or the other. The crux of the matter will lie in YOUR preferences and priorities. Sometimes it helps to talk it out with a neutral party or parties, or at least write it out. Two columns, pro and con, perhaps. Each of us will weight the pros and cons differently but seeing them in black and white can help get clarity. And posting them here for comment can also help get clarity. The right answer for one of us could be the wrong answer for the next. SO much to consider.

I won't presume to advise you on YOUR right answer, nor even tell you what was the right answer for me. I will simply encourage you to give yourself as much time as you need to make your decision. When the time is right, you will know. Be open, trust yourself, be patient with yourself, and the answer will be there for you.

And let us know about your decision-making process, and if you have specific questions of course ask them (here). In hearing the (wide) range of choices we've made and degrees of satisfaction we have with those choices, you'll gain confidence that this it the time to TAKE YOUR TIME and trust yourself, as you make the right choice for you.

Debbie Laxague