choosing mastectomy

I chose a bilateral mastectomy when I was diagnosed because I knew for my own peace of mind and anxiety level, it was the best choice for me. I've never regretted it. I didn't want the roller coaster of lumps and scares and the interruptions in my life and it sounds like you're saying the same thing. I think you know yourself and what will bring you the most peace for the longest period of time.

here's a good article on the subject.  for me, i felt relieved when i knew i could keep my breast and that lumpectomy & rads gave me the exact same prognosis as mastectomy...no difference.  this article addresses the mental stress of keeping something on your body that once harbored cancer...and it might apply to you and what you're feeling.  good luck to you as you make the decision that's best for you.

 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mastectomy-lumpectomy/BC99999/PAGE=BC00029

If a mastectomy isn't needed or advised for medical reasons, then I think it's all a question of how you deal with risk and, as MOTC said, whether the fear of recurrence (or a new primary) will regularly be front and center in your mind.

In my case, I had a single mastectomy, not by choice but because it was medically necessary.  I didn't have a bilateral despite having had 4 benign biopsies over the years on my "good" breast (2 were fibroadenomas, 1 was a fatty deposit, 1 was benign calcifications).  I want to keep my remaining breast for as long as I can.  I'm very comfortable living with my risk level (about 20% for a new primary).  And between check-ups, I honestly don't worry about whether or not I'm going to get breast cancer again.  In fact I just had my annual mammogram.  In the couple of hours before the appointment, I was a bit cranky, but that's as stressed as I get.  While I don't have the official results yet, I'm pretty sure from the reaction of the technician and the fact that I didn't get called back, that everything is fine.  But even if it wasn't, I would be able to deal with that.  I'm lucky - and unlucky - in that I've had so much experience with call-backs, cysts, biopsies, etc. that I don't let it get to me.  A few moments of worry, yes, but nothing that I can't live with.... nothing that would make it worthwhile for me to remove my breast.  It also happens that I come from a family that's had a lot of cancer - various different types of cancer.  So I don't for a minute believe that removing my remaining breast will keep me free of cancer. 

Still, having been on this board for almost 2 years, I've come to the conclusion that I'm probably in the minority.  Many women do get very stressed at the thought of having a recurrence or getting breast cancer again.  If the stress overtakes your life for more than just the few days when you're having your 6 month or annual checks, then you need to do something about it - there's no point living in constant fear.  So if you know that you can't manage or control the fear, then perhaps having a bilateral does make sense. 

Suave..I know you are trying to make a decision here. But... I know other women who have survived bc and didn't have mastectomy. The studies are clear that lumpectomy and rads is the same as a mastectomy. I can understand how it's hard to really believe that. There is a slightly higher risk of recurrence, I believe, with lumpectomy but you can get a recurrence with a mastectomy as well.

And I had a lumpectomy and in this case, I hope the stats are right!