It is always an individual thing, but I wish I had both removed instead of just the one....I think it would have been easier on me and also because I am big breasted also I am a bit off balance.

I also would worry less about an reocurrence....For balance and peace of mind I would have both removed if I had it to do over.

Good luck...Peace...and Gentle Hugs!!!!

I had the dbl. mastectomy. It does give me good peace of mind. I had stage 1 infiltrating ductal carcinoma, extensive DCIS and LCIS. They did a lumpectomy first thinking it was just DCIS. They found the rest after the lumpectomy. The surgeon also told me it was likely to show up in the other breast in the future. The LCIS put me at risk for a more aggressive cancer down the road. There was no node involvement and they didn't recommend chemo or radiation. After the dbl. mastectomy they didn't even think tamoxifen would make much difference because they felt my prognosis was so good.
I don't for a minute regret my decision.
Best wishes and prayers, Cherie

I haven't made that decision yet. If I have another abnormal mammo than I will go that route. Its true, it could very likely appear in the other breast(I am dealing with that now). Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and decisions. we will see in 6 months.

I am sorry it was cancer. IT sounds like you have made your decision and I am so new to this but one thing I am being told is make your decision and don't look back. At least the decision you are making will hopefully protect you from further cancer. And there really are no wrong decisions I am told. Mine is DCIS high grade 3 and no evidence in lymph nodes. They seem to be encouraging me to do the lumpectomy with radiation option but they also say its a option to do the mastectomy if I want to. Its all about how I feel they tell me. No one has even mentioned to me that it will likely appear in the other breast. I wonder if that is because mine is DCIS non invasive and that is less likely or maybe they are just not telling me that?
Jan

I did both. I always say, I brought a machinge gun to a knife fight. That's what you have to do with Cancer. And with reconstruction, theres a bonus.... nicer perkier boobs!

Yes I chose to have double removal and also my ovaries as well.. ( had uterus 5 yrs ago due to endometreosis) .........
I think it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I have gotten wonderful bras/prostetics from our local "pink botique" shop - place especially for woman such as us........and I look perfectly normal and I even got to chose size- of cource I didnt go over board but common C cup.....
To me its alot less worry in the future... I also happen to carry the Cancer Gene so its a double whammy for me and a relief on that part too.........
I wish you well.........keep us informed......
hugs
Annie

That is one thing I am wondering, but my question is.. would the lumpectomy be sufficient for the invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosis I received? Since I tested Her2 3+ I have to see the oncologist before surgery, but still have my doubts about the lumpectomy. Don't want to hang onto my boob then end up with a mastectomy later and more cancer to deal with. Lots of unknowns! It seems the more I read the more confused I get about the whole thing. I realize this is a personal decision and each case is different. I couldn't begin to give anyone else advice since i am so undecided myself.