Really struggling with needing mastectomy

HiTannieT​,

I really fee you! I am 53 and was diagnosed with IDC in February this year. I had a double mastectomy in March followed by chemo, radiation (which I finish this week! Yay!) and then hormone blockers.

I also had big boobs (since I was 13) and had a reduction when I was 33 (GG down to D). Menopause had other ideas and with weight gain I also got the big boobs back! Enter breast cancer and I chose to have a double mastectomy just to be rid of as much breast tissue as possible and because symmetry was important to me. I chose a flat closure and honestly, I have never felt so free and comfortable in my body! No hair, no boobs and I still feel feminine, but so free! No bras, no fussing with my hair (it used to be long and I would style it daily!) 

I did have a moment of doubt when I was talking to the surgeon and she was telling me all the options for reconstruction and reduction in the other boob. I wondered how I would feel having no boobs after a lifetime of being large breasted, but my boobs were trying to kill me, so I figured my best chance was to get rid of them!! I haven’t regretted my decision for a second!

I hope you have a great surgeon who will discuss all your options with you and good people around you who will support whatever decision you make! One thing my surgeon said that made me feel safe about my decision was that I could change my mind and have a reconstruction in the future, that door is always open. Good luck with everything! X SamF