Thanks, Denise, it does help. My surgeon is male, but that is basically what he answered when I asked him what his recommendation would be for his wife or daughter. Since I didn't have clear margins, the oncologist recommended a second lumpectomy plus radiation, but I'm not quite as confident of his advice, even though it is statistically the same outcome. But the oncologist also didn't know what PLCIS (pleomorphic LCIS) was and that it required a further surgery if the margins weren't clear. He had to look it up, which is OK with me, since it is a rare type of breast cancer, but my surgeon knew exactly what it was and what was required, so I trust his opinion. Yes, I have been reflecting on the emotional and physical toll of a mastectomy. It's more the emotional that concerns me, since physically it will eventually heal. I'm 68 and still working at a job I love. My husband is very supportive, no matter what I chose. I don't plan to get reconstructive surgery unless I just can't live with the results. I thought I would give it six months to a year to see how it goes. I don't really want more surgeries. But that's a different topic. I really , really appreciate your comments! I pray for good healing for you, both physically and emotionally. - DSLT (Deb)