I had a modified radical mastectomy, only on the side that was affected. I am happy with my decision, which was made more than 7 years ago. My niece had breast cancer at the same time I did, and she had a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Before her reconstruction process was complete, she found yet another tumor and had all the reconstruction removed. I think the choice must be your own, individual decision. There is no one easy answer that fits all people.

The metastasis of breast cancer usually follows the route of breast, bone, lung, liver and brain. I've survived many years by having a single mastectomy and reconstruction with an implant in one breast and a reduction in the other. A lot depends on your age. If you're very young and have a long life ahead of you, I don't think there's anything wrong with having the second breast removed. It at least gives you more peace of mind. You're not waiting for the second shoe to fall.

Well said Krikit! I totally agree! my husband didn't want me to reconstruct either, he flt it was all unnecessary surgery and didnt want me under that long (my surgery was 18 hours) I needed to do it for me, didnt want to see the scars daily. I do have feeling in my new boobs,(best neuro plastic surgeon EVER!) but its so not about that,(I too have been with my hubs for almost 30 years, together from 16!) like you said its all about the extra time I have in this world with my husband & kids, one day at a time!

Totally agree Diane. But for me, being stage iv metastatic with lymphnode involvement, I opted for the bilateral. My life meant more to me than "sensation" for sexual gratification. There are other ways to be sexually satisfied. My mom had cancer, as did my aunt, so I was not taking any chances. My husband did not care if I even had reconstruction as long as I was still here to share our lives together longer. We have been soulmates for 27 years, and I will take another 27...one year at a time :D Love my life and everyone in it. I am not sorry nor have any regrets regarding any of my choices along the way.... -keep the faith

I only had one removed. I think it is everyone's choice. I often wonder if I did the right thing as well by only having one done. I do not want to go through this again. From talking to people I have found serveal people that have only have had one done and are very happy with their decision.