New to this

Hi Kester, I had a lumpectomy four years ago (followed by chemo, radiation & tamoxifen) and I'm so glad that I did.  The affected boob is slightly smaller than the other, I have a couple of small, faded scares and a slight indentation. But at a casual glance you wouldn't notice anything out of the ordinary. I've had no recurrence and I am fit and healthy. 

I was offered the choice of having a mastectomy but my surgeon said that in my case it would not make any difference to the chances of a recurrence.

When I asked why she would even present that option if it made no difference she said it "gave some women more peace of mind". But frankly that make no sense to me. If it makes no difference to the outcome how can it give you more peace of mind? It makes me wonder how many women out there are getting their boobs lopped off unnecessarily. 

So it seemed like a no-brainer to me. Having your breast cut off is brutal. I know it's unavoidable in many cases and I certainly would have had it done if it had of been necessary but if not, can't understand why you would do it? Having a mastectomy is no guarantee that a secondary cancer won't pop up somewhere else. Not that I am wishing that on anybody. But it happens. 

With respect to your sisters they are not oncologists or breast surgeons and it is not their breast. I'm sure they mean well but I would stick to the advice of your doctors. Best of luck with you surgery and treatment.