Hi Anette. I think it's a personal decision to choose mastectomy if the surgeon thinks that a lumpectomy is enough. I can see why you would want one. Apparently, the research shows that lumpectomy with radiation offers the same survival rate as mastectomy. I have seen women on this forum who got a lumpectomy and ended up with a recurrence in the breast and were shortly thereafter diagnosed with stage IV. Not trying to scare you, I'm just saying I've seen that. It must be very uncommon or else doctors wouldn't offer lumpectomy to anyone.

I had to get a mastectomy because I had too much DCIS throughout my breast to get a lumpectomy. I have implants that look and feel really different than natural breasts, and the implants have to be exchanged once every ten years or so. Some people who get reconstruction have complications and need further surgeries, and other people have no issues. Just something to keep in mind. I'm sorry you're going through this.

Hi Annette,

You are focused on the fact that your tests turned up no known genetic mutations, however genetic mutations are the exception! Only about 15-20% of bc cases test are positive for bc mutations. As to why any of us develop bc? We have breasts! The vast, vast majority of us will never know why we developed bc. Doctors and researchers do not even know why in most cases. Despite advances in treatment of bc what causes the development of bc and what cures it are still unknowns. Take care.

This is such a personal decision. What's right for one person might be completely wrong for someone else. The only person who can tell you if a BMX is too drastic for you, is you.

I'd suggest you read the following thread. There is lots of information that can help you with your decision.

Topic: Considerations: Lumpectomy w/Rads vs. UMX vs. BMX

And these charts, which I recently posted in that thread, are very helpful: (They are hard to read here but you can find them on the webpage I linked below.)

Source: Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy: How to Choose http://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/lum...

Hi Anette,

It is overwhelming especially in the first month or two. I remember that my eyes were burning every day from all of the sudden research. These wise women are so right; it's a very personal decision.

While I did have a genetic mutation, I'm learning that other factors can play a role, like having dense breast tissue or not having breastfed. There is a lot to be said for epigenetics (life decisions, foods, stress levels, sleep, exercise, vitamins, minerals, etc., the "software" you put in your body to run your "hardware.") My integrative doctor is convinced it was probably not my genetic mutation but my blood type (A) which doesn't digest nutrients well or clear out cellular debris. She says she's seen it a lot in 40 years of her med practice. We'll never know, but at least now I'm taking digestive enzymes to nip that in the bud from now on.

I chose a lumpectomy, even though I have a few involved lymph nodes. I am not going to let myself worry about a recurrence (as much as I can). I decided to change my lifestyle and diet (low carb, no sugar because it feeds the insulin receptors on the cancer cells), intermittent fasting (not eating early am or late pm) getting the right level of vitamins and minerals (I had very low iodine and vitamin D wihich is common with bc, and lower stress. My doctor has my levels back to normal, and I've started taking Vitality C, a better multivitamin, magnesium, selenium (two forms) and Juice Plus to keep my fructosamine level down and boost my pure fruits and veggies. I do struggle with sleeping. I haven't slept well since my diagnosis, and while melatonin is helpful with bc, I don't like how groggy it makes me feel.

I guess what I'm saying is that there are so many other factors than genetics which can really make a difference. I have surgery coming up in five days and feel like the past few months have helped me get ready for it, or at least, as ready as I'll ever be.

I know it's overwhelming right now, but when the time comes, you'll be able to make the best decision for you.