Hi Jodi,
I was diagnosed in July with triple negative breast cancer following a routine breast screen. I completely relate to your fear and shock. I've found that knowledge is a powerful thing. The more I learn the better I feel.
My surgeon said this to me: "There's nothing experimental about this. We are very good at treating breast cancer."
The statistics will tell you that your chances of surviving your cancer are now at an all time high of 86%. Just on its own, that's a really encouraging number. Then take into account that survival rates are calculated on those women that have already passed their five and ten year anniversaries and remember that the treatment they received was not as advanced as the treatment you'll receive. Now factor in those women that, for various reasons, choose not to accept mainstream medical treatment and your odds are well into the 90s.
I've found it has helped me to think about what I can do to improve my odds. I've 'detoxed' my life, improved my diet, made sure I do my yoga every day and I've added in meditation. I also work on staying as positive as I can. I've started a blog about it at http://positive3neg.wordpress.com if you'd like to take a look.
I've also been told by my surgeon and oncologist that the outcomes for mastectomy vs lumpectomy are the same in terms of survival rate. My radiation oncologist tells me that a lumpectomy makes radiotherapy slightly safer and easier than mastectomy. I think many of the other women posting comments in favour of mastectomy make some good points about cosmetic outcomes and your decision will depend on your priorities.
I'm yet to have surgery (my cancer is being treated with chemo first) but I've told the doctor that my priority is best medical outcome. I'm not concerned about the cosmetic issues and I certainly don't want to risk my health for nicer looking breasts. But I'm 51 and mindful that they're probably not going to get any better looking at my age!
I know a lot of people have said that everyone is different and that you need to make the decision that suits you, but there's a reason we're all saying it. Everyone's situation is unique. Ask your doctors lots of questions about how your choices affect your options. Work out what's best for you.
Best wishes on your journey and know that doctors don't ever keep the truth from you. It would be very risky for them to tell you they're confident of a cure if they weren't. Doctors get sued for that kind of thing. If anything, doctors tend to describe all possible risks and side effects, even when the risk is very small, so that if it happens to you they can't be accussed of not informing you. Having confidence in their honesty and ability really helps.
Good luck.
