masectomy

Hi Sandy and Julia, The one fact that played heavily in my mind was when the breast surgeon told me that 20% of breast cancers are missed on mammogram. I never knew this before, and it really annoyed me. Yes, I know that every time you have a mammo, they tell you to still check your breasts between visits, but never did they say there is such a large % that is missed. I have always been very dilligent and in the past, when a lump has been felt, I've always had a mammo with an ultrasound. Once I reached 50 I went onto the screening program, and with nothing suspicious no ultrasounds were done. After years of hot flushes I decided to give HRT a go, but not before my screening mammo at 52 gave me the all clear. I had 3 lovely months without hotflushes, but became concerned about an old thickened area, which had been checked out before. Fortunately, because I was HRT, and always a little worried about using it, I decided to see my Dr who suggested an ultrasound. This thickened area was normal fibrous tissue, but underneath, a small 4mm cyst like lesion was discovered. No one seemed concerned, but we did a fine needle biopsy just to be cautious. I wasn't even the slightest bit concerned about those results as the lump in question was ok, and I knew that the mammo had also been ok. This is why, I decided that I would always find it hard to believe a normal mammo. The other thing about a double mastectomy for me was the greater choice for reconstruction. Being only a B cup, I have a better chance at even breasts with them both done. I figured I would have needed the remaining breast operated on anyway,as it was droopy after breast feeding 4 kids, and I didn't want scar tissue to hinder future mammos or ultrasounds. That was something that concerned my breast surgeon.