lumpectomy vs. mastectomy?

[Joanne S]

It's definitely a difficult personal decision- lumpectomy, mastectomy or double mastectomy? All the responses above provide great suggestions.

Six weeks after I completed my treatments, I had a double mastectomy. I didn't want one side to be different than the other side; additionally, I didn't want to have future concerns or worries about breast lumps, mammograms, etc. --- lumpectomy was not an option I even considered--- but that's just me. I felt that if I only had 1/2 or one breast removed, I wouldn't have the option to go bra-less, and did not want to go bra-less lopsided. I have prosthetic boobs and mastectomy bras, but I never wear them as they are very uncomfortable for me (special occassions only). However, many other women that have them are quite comfortable and don't have any issues.

As mentioned above by Laurie, I would focus and make getting chemo and all the necessary treatments done first before having surgery.

Allow yourself plenty of time to educate yourself on all the available surgical and reconstruction options so you can make the best decision option for you.

Wishing you the best in the treatment, Joanne