Well I could have done the lumpectomy path also. I didn't carry the paternal braca1 gene they thought I had. But my sister (diff Dad) has breast cancer (and passed) and her daughter too (at 34) Both of us have opted for bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I always thought my regular mammograms would detect cancer very early. It didn't due to breast density. Therefore I felt there was no reliable way for me to be sure no recurrence and no new primary. So I chose the bigger surgery and haven't regretted it. I miss my breasts of course but the fear was far greater for me. Although my surgery doesn't completely eliminate recurrence (can come back in sutre line or in ant timy remaining cells) it certainly reduces your risks and breast tissue by 97%.
Although gene neg my genetics team believe my family carry a yet to be determined gene and believe all my sisters should at least have a breast surgeon review.
It's a hard decision but you just have to choose what feels right for you. Kath x
