I originally had a lumpectomy as the doctors did not feel a mastectomy was necessary. I did follow up with a double mastectomy upon my first recurrence. Glad I had it done. I will say though for me it does continue to recur in the skin, even though I have had the double mastectomy. It is a very personal choice. Go with your gut. This is about what you want.

I had a dbl mastectomy even though I only had the cancer in one breast. I didn't want the risk of it coming back. Best decision that I made. I don't have to worry about reoccurring lumps in boobies.

@A MyBCTeam Member, thats what im afraid of. The fact that I already had radiation. Will I still be able to do the mastectomy with reconstruction?

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A MyBCTea...

I originally had a lumpectomy with chemo and radiation in 2008 because I was told that statistically, there was no difference so I figured why put myself through a more invasive surgery and longer recovery time. One thing they failed to tell me was the effects the radiation has on the skin and underlying tissue. When I had my recurrence last year, I had a BMX with TE's. Unfortunately, the left side where the radiation was received would not heal and I also developed an infection. I had the TE's removed about two weeks later and now I'm flat and fabulous. Had I known the radiation effects in 2008, I would have had the BMX with reconstruction then and avoided the mess last year. Now, since I am stage IV with mets to the bone and have an 8 month old grandson to play with, I'm not going to put myself through another surgery to get reconstructed.

You have to decide what is best for you. Just make sure you are well informed of ALL the side effects, risks, and benefits of each part of your treatment. Best of luck to you!

Bilateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. Best decision I've made.