Second time around

I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I had an aggressive tumour that wasn't visible in a mammogram done just 5 weeks before I found a lump. I had very dense breast tissue and a really sucky family history. I wasn't keen on a lumpectomy due to my concern that local recurrence could be missed in mammograms due to breast density and my surgeon actually suggested the bilatetal and reconstruction, which I agreed with. Whilst I miss my breasts I don't regret my decision. It at least reduces the chance of local recurrence or a new primary cancer by 97% so I'm pretty happy with that. Of course it doesn't prevent metastic spread but that is why we do the chemo and tablets to try to mop any of those stray cells up. I know statistically a lumpectomy and radio usually gives equivalent results. ..but it wouldn't reduce my scanxiety. Kath x