Am I making the right decision?

mrshams

In 2006, I had Stage 1 breast cancer in my right breast.  Because there was actually two spots, I had to have a mastectomy.  After going back and forth, I chose to have a unilateral one.  I have regretted it ever since -- I should have done both.  Since then, I've had mammogram call backs, biopsies and all the anxiety that goes along with it.  This last biopsy came back as atypia.  The surgeon wants to remove this along with the other areas that were biopsied in the past.  Basically 3 lumpectomies.  I am seriously considering a prophylatic mastectomy on my left.  I think it's a decision that I will feel comfortable with, and my surgeon seems to agree.  Part of my trouble is my family vacation -- we have scheduled a trip to Disney with our DD (10 & 5) at the end of September.  The surgeon doesn't want to wait until I return from there to perform this surgery, so if I have it, it has to be done soon.  I remember from the last mastectomy that I felt good afterwards, especially once the drain was removed.  Do you think that I'll be healed enough to go and enjoy Disney estimating 6 weeks recovery time?

TrixieTumor

You know how mutual funds have a warning like "past performance is not an indicator of future returns." Well, I think the opposite is true of surgery. If your experience is that you recovered within 6 weeks from your first mastectomy, then you may very well be healed enough to enjoy Disney.

Best wishes for a swift recuperation, and post a picture of you wearing mouse ears!

TT

LisaSDCA

If your surgeon can get you in soon, and your schedule can be arranged, I say go for it! The sense of relief you will have will probably accelerate your healing!

Lisa