Quality of life

I understand the worry about cording.  I have had that since surgery and it can be so restrictive and painful.  I think that you need to discuss with your surgeon about why a mastectomy is recommended and the likely outcome if you don't go ahead with that treatment.  While I know that it's a bit like getting a ticket for an express train, the doctors don't usually suggest treatment more aggressive than is required but it does come down to the stats v life.  Unfortunately, no-one can accurately predict who is the one who is going to be on the right side of the statistics lottery.