1 or 2 ...how do you decide?

I just wanted to send hugs and prayers to the above women who are scheduled for their surgeries soon.  You will all be fine, and will be amazed at what strong women you all are...  God bless...

I went through this same senario. At first I thought take them both and be done with it. But my surgeon really didn't encourage that, though he said he would if I wanted that. In MY case the statistics and my pathology just didn't warrent taking the healthy breast. Instead I had the flap and reconstruction on my "cancer" breast and a reduction and "perk up" on the other breast. I'm so happy with my new little (it's about half it's original size) reduced breast I'm glad I kept it. I know some ladies are happy to be rid of both, but I'm glad I kept my healthy breast. My statistics for another cancer in it are pretty small (not ZERO - but small) and I will of course watch it like a hawk, having my Mammograms done at the cancer center, not just my local hospital. Remember, we all have health risks of all kinds - I figure right now I have a higher chance of heart attack or stroke during my life time than another cancer. If you want a zero chance of anything you will be sad because it just doesn't exist. The day before you found your cancer - you had a percentage of getting cancer - we all do - just by being female. And be careful of the "breast as a ticking time bomb" thinking. If you have the pathology that makes a Bilateral needed then thats the way it is. But don't talk yourself into it if you don't need it. Any ways that's my take on it.

Kathy,

Have fun celebrating your anniversary! I don't think you'll regret your decision to take both. My bilateral mast was on 1/21, and I'm just three weeks away from my exchange surgery to get the permanent implants. My cancer was just in the right side, but I chose to have both removed too. I'm just 3 weeks away from getting my permanent implants, and my foobs are filling out my clothes again. I had my surgery in Atlanta at Northside. Not sure if you're using that hospital, but if you are, they are wonderful! Best of luck and I'm keeping you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. The first few days will be tough, but after that you'll be surprised at how it wasn't as bad as you expected. After 2 weeks I was pretty much back to normal. Everyone was praying for me and I know that really helped. I'll be praying for you!

Susie

I just had my Pe-op appt. with my surgeon today.  I too have to make a decision for a Monday, March 22nd surgery.   I'm 47 years old with two types of cancer in my right breast.  No family history.  My Braca 1 was negative, and Braca 2 had a "uncertain varience".  Only 16 woman in the country have this so there is not enough data to understand it.  Even though the Genetasist and the Surgeon don't think I need to take my left breast, I'm 98% sure that I will have it taken.  I, like many do not want to go through the fear that cancer will appear in my left breast.  I don't want to worry about it every time I feel something.  I'm typically not a worrier, but this is different.  I feel so lucky that I found this cancer early.  I don't want to temp fate and risk finding cancer when it's too late in my left breast sometime down the road.  I feel better knowing that it will happen in one surgery.  I'll be "rebuilt" at the same time, and I'll look equal when it's all done.  I have an appt. with the Oncologist and the Plastic Surgeon tomorrow.  My decsion will be made then.  This is the most frustrating and nerveracking decision I've ever had to make.