The Double Mastectomy Question

Being both a survivor and a Breast Health Nurse Navigator, I have had to make the decision and walked with many others as well.  I believe the first step is what are your choices medically speaking?  After talking to a qualified breast surgeon, what are the recommendations for your specific case.  Then, the decision is a very personal one.  I chose breast conserving surgery for purely financial reasons at the time.  I knew that I had lymph node involvement so would have to undergo chemo.   I was afraid if I took the full recovery time off of work for mastectomies and reconstruction that I might end up in trouble for sick time if I missed work due to chemo side effects.  That was the pure and simple reason for my decision.  I have met with women who knew themselves well enough to know they would always panic about recurrence if they didn't have both breasts removed.  I have also worked with women who were not at all ready to say goodbye to both.  One was hard enough.  That said, many choose for reasons of peace of mind and many choose for reasons that are cosmetic in nature.  I would finish by repeating that it is definitely a very personal decision for you as you enter the journey of breast cancer.  I believe that Christina Applegate made the best decision for her. 

Make the best choices for your self and remember, Life is worth fighting for!

Sherree