Hi Redtiger,
Such a tricky decision!! Everyone has their own story and their own decision to make. And whats happened in our lives and who we are will all be important in making that decision. As long as you make the decision that you are happy with that is really the most important thing. The cancer surgeons and the breast care nurses really do know what they are talking about - but seek second opinions if you like confrimation - or exposure to different ideas. Its worth finding out other opinions. Its such a big decision.
My story is a bit different - I'm TNBC, grade 3. I had lumpectomy and auxillary clearance (only 1 of 14 lymph nodes malignant) 23rd May, and have started on chemo (dose dense AC followed by Paclitaxel with carboplatinum). But I've got the BRCA1 gene. I've been told there is very low chance of a reoccurrence because they got it - especially after the chemo etc. But that there's a 80% chance of a second cancer developing. My surgical team strongly recommend a bilateral mastecomy after chemo. I'm pretty devastated about it, but don't think I can go through this again with the odds so high of it actually occurring.
My point is - my risk is really high and yet I still cling to the hope that I don't have to have the mastecomy. So I understand how tricky the decision is (from a differnet perspective). If the risks weren't so high for me, I wonder if I'd be still contemplating - quite possibly I would because I don't want this again. Possibly my negative reaction to the bilateral surgery is partly grief.
Anyway, there are so many amazing woman on this website that have been through this and many other proceedures - truly they are inspiring. When I'm losing heart with the whole process - I read some of these ladies stories and realise what amazing people are out there - and that gives me hope and heart.
Good luck with everything. I really wish you the absolute best.
leonie xo
