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Hi Blue Heron! (We'd rather you were meeting us elsewhere too...)

There are so many things to consider when you're making your decision. "Here" is a post from one of our most articulate members (Beesie) about things you might want to consider when making such a decision. Many people have found it very helpful...and you might too!

Increasingly, your medical oncologist (MO) might want to talk to you about neo-adjuvent (before surgery) therapies. I have no idea if anything of the sort would be suggested for you. But making an appointment to interview one or more MOs before surgery might not be a bad idea, so if they want to suggest such a thing they can...

The thing to remember is that your docs wouldn't be offering you a choice of "this or that" if there were a truly "wrong" decision between the ones they have described to you. Each choice has different ramifications. And it's up to you to sort out what you will be able to best live with. We'll be glad to help you, but the decision really has to be yours.

But you say the decision (and need to make it) is making you sick. Not sleeping? not eating? So read Beesie's post (and re-read later). But you may want to ask for help now. No one can operate at best capacity without sleep or food. Your primary care doc (or possibly a MO if you get one soon) should be able to prescribe some anti-anxiety meds, and perhaps recommend a therapist, nurse navigator or a support group who can help you get your hands around the decision you need to make.

HTH (and please come back and talk with us),

LisaAlissa

That particular decision drove me nuts too! i just could not decide. I did know, absolutely, that I wanted the bugger out asap. Ultimately, I decided I would have a lumpectomy, then take my time to decide whether I wanted to deal with mastectomy/reconstruction. As it turned out, I was happy with the lumpectomy (even though rads came as part of the package), and grateful that I had not had to deal with the recovery and possible complications of mastectomy with or without reconstruction.

I guess my point is you do not have to decide right now. It is perfectly logical to have the lumpectomy, then see how you feel. I'd check first, but it is my understanding that insurance has to cover a second surgery.

BlueHeron ~ I'm right there with you. Since last week I've run the gamut of "do the mastectomy", "no, do the lumpectomy". I believe I'm leaning more towards starting with the lumpectomy and hoping for the best.

*holding your hand as you travel this road*

~Snowy

Hi, I got diagnosed in November, I went to see a psychiatrist this morning, I never thought I will see myself going to one but I need help because my anxiety is so high I can not think clear. He was great, made me feel very conformable, I felt better just talking to him

The best thing about breast cancer for me was getting rid of my droopy old middle-aged ta-tas. I had a 2.3 cm. tumor in my left breast which was surrounded by a "field" (for lack of a better word) of tissue that was benign, but of dubious character, and would have provided me with years of worry and suspicion had I chosen to keep it. Instead I chose to dump the lot, and now I have perky little cuties that match my weight (I am thin) rather than making me look top-heavy the way every other woman in my family looks. They aren't real, and they don't feel real, but they sure look better than what I had before. All I can say about my real boobs is: good riddance!

Edited to add: My sentinel node biopsy tracer injection experience felt like a shot. They gave me one injection of lidocaine and one injection of radioactive tracer. The only interesting thing about it was that it created a weird radioactive bubble in my nipple which freaked the plastic surgeon out until he figured out what it was.

BlueHeron, your heart will recover. It's still new and seems like everything is falling apart but I promise you will get through it. Do something nice for yourself and hug those 2 lovely daughters.