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Hello. First of all let me say that it is too bad that you have to be faced with this but it will be okay down the road.  I went through basically the same process for the last twelve months. I have dense breast tissue too. I had a slew of biopsies and three surgeries. Finally I ended up with a bilateral mastectomy. I had my surgery Oct. 1 of this year. I am glad I did it. Truthfully, the pain was unbelievable when I woke up. I tell you this so you'll be prepared. It's okay because it works out in the end. It hurts to move your arms and all that and take all those deep breaths that they make you do. Everything is sore but the pay off is worth it. I felt free of worry. I felt free that everything was out of me.   It really helped that other women had shown me the end results of their mastectomies because I would think about it in the hospital and feel better. I had looked at pictures on the web of woman with mastectomies. That helped also. I really didn't think it was that bad when I saw myself. It was strange to see me without my breasts, but I was prepared and it helped a ton. I felt fine with it. My doctor told me to bring a pillow with me for the ride home in the car. It helped because it was a barrier between the breast area and the seat belt.   The skin expanders were put in during the same surgery. I am so glad I did it all at once like that because now, post op about 8 weeks, I am feeling almost back to normal. I have had them filled and all is going well. They look much better. The pain is gone and pretty much didn't last too long considering. At least for me, the filling up is fine, no pain. It's a little uncomfortable the first fill or two, but nothing bad. Each time I leave the doctor's office I am happier. When the doctor tells you to start massaging them, do it. I was afraid I would knock something out of place. I'm not sure why I thought that. It's not the case and they loosen up with the massaging. It minimizes the scar tissue too. Ask the doctor specifically what he or she means by doing the massage. Have them show you the technique they want you to do. It really helps. But again, wait until they give you the okay. It's a strange phenomena to have the muscle in front now too. I can see it moving, something that your breast tissue would usually cover of course. I can "flex" them. I found that out by mistake but it makes me giggle. Also, start the arm exercises as soon as they give you the go ahead too. It kept my physical therapy at a minimum. The American Cancer Society has a program called "Reach To Recovery" and they will partner you with someone in your area who has been through the same thing. They answer a lot of questions.   It's good to get other's experiences. It really helped me. I am grateful to all the women who have been so willing to share their experiences. I wish you well with everything.