Hi Jaclyn. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer the first time I didn't have the option of a lumpectomy due to 3 tumors located in 3 of the 4 different breast quadrants. My doctor suggested a single mastectomy. I told my doctor that my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and had died. As a result of what my mom went through and because I was much younger than my mom was at diagnosis in my mind the only suitable option for me was a double mastectomy to increase my overall survival odds and decrease my chances of the cancer returning. Despite the double mastectomy the breast cancer did come back for round 2 last year which was 7.5 years after the first time, but I'm still glad I opted for the double mastectomy on the first go round because I know it saved me a lot of worry and stress. Good luck to you with whatever option you decide on ❤️

Jaclyn, I also opted for the single mastectomy, and aesthetic flat closure. My tumor was Grade 3 (aggressive) and on the left side. I already have a heart murmer, and an extensive family history of heart problems. Being HER2+ my drug protocols already included a year of Herceptin, which has a common side effect of heart and/or lung complications. To do the lumpectomy- or to save tissue for reconstruction would mean radiation- and again, possible heart/lung issues. So, my choice allowed me to skip radiation and minimize the heart risks. I am totally ok with the unicorn life! I just pop the prosthetic in the bra and roll on with my life. I considered a bilateral- but did not see the point in additional surgery, scarring, possible complications (infections, etc) to remove a healthy breast. I am now 7 years since the surgery, so far, so good- my only regret is that women still have to make these decisions. My best advice- is to take in all the information- then give yourself some quiet time to listen to your inner voice. If ever there is a time for You Do You! this is it. If you are still conflicted- seek a second opinion. You deserve to have as much peace of mind as possible regarding your path forward! Hugs!

I was offered mastectomy left breast and reconstruction to achieve size and lift and reconstruction to eight breast to "even them out and lift them both".

I am 62 years old. I won't get into my addiction to pain killers from when I broke my neck in 2010, but let's just say I got caught up with a really greedy, terrible doctor and ended up right smack dab in the middle of the opiate epidemic. And so from 2010 until September of 2021 I was given the quantity of painkillers and whatever I asked for. I was in lala land for most of my 50's.

Fentanyl hit the streets, was being mixed with oxycodone and people began to die. My Dr. was arrested and is serving his time, but left me with no resources. The withdrawl and the addiction, along with all my pain was making me suicidal. I began to buy pills from the streets. And of course, a friend brought over my meds I was doing broke buying, and took one himself. He stood up, swallowed the pill and never got a chance to sit down. He passed away immediately .
I checked myself into rehab the following day, telling myself I would not allow him to die without purpose. That was Sept 24th, 2021.

I decided on the lumpectomy only because I was so damn afraid of the pain any of the surgeries would cause, I was honest with my wonderful Dr. I explained that I no longer was concerned about their being lopsided, and didn't care what anyone else thought either. A double mastectomy was opening a healthy breast for me to endure more pain. I was so afraid. My pain management team were understanding, wonderful, non judgemental, and beat of all, understood my paranoia.

I am 2 months post surgery. There was a delay in my radiation. I'll be finishing up soon. And then we shall see. If I do have to get àn eventually mastectomy, I will 100% have both taken.

Side note: My Mom passed away @ the age of 59. From ovarian cancer. Her mother (my grandmother) was diagnosed when she was in her 50s but had surgery, chemo, and never alone if it again. 2 if my grandmother's sisters also were diagnosed with ovarian cancer young. They too survived. I do NOT have the gene. Go figure.

PS: God bless and good luck. Keep me posted!

Also no reconstruction for me