Thanks for your responses . I am opting for just one. I can live with a prosthetic. I myself had the hardest time losing all my hair from chemo

Hugs

I chose the mastectomy over lumpectomy. Because I opted for no reconstruction, there was no tissue saved for expanders or immediate implants. Which meant with my ultra-clear margins, and clear lymph nodes (which really surprised them) I could skip radiation. So, instead I had surgery, chemo, targeted therapy (for HER2+) and then I was done. If I did reconstruction I would have had to do the radiation, and reconstruction using radiated skin is more challenging. If one side stayed intact, and one had reconstruction, I would likely have to go back for surgery on occasion as gravity would affect the two differently, and the "tweaking" would help keep things symmetrical. Additionally, it is recommended that implants be replaced somewhere around the 10 year mark.

I could have opted for a double mastectomy- but then one side would still have to have radiation, and removing the healthy breast would unnecessarily expose that side to infections, etc. And I would still have the challenge of working with radiated skin, etc.

As far as appearances go, I use a prosthetic, I just pop it in the bra and roll on with my life. I know some women are devastated at what the loss of one or both breasts means to their self image, etc. I don't fall into that category. You just have to know yourself, push away all the other thoughts, and listen to your own inner voice. If ever there is a time for "You do You", this is it. I will be keeping you in prayers as you navigate through all the info to make the decisions that are right for you. My choice has never bothered me, but it does sadden me to know we are still facing these choices. I look forward to the day when bc, and these treatments are just a footnote in the medical history books! Gentle hugs!