After years of precancerous findings in biopsy and a lumpectomy back in 2010 - again only precancerous cells found - cancer was finally found in one breast cancer in 2022. I asked about a double mastectomy at that time despite the lack of family history mostly because I was so tired of “looking over my shoulder”. I dreaded every mammo and find the biopsies literally panic-inducing. I just wanted an end to the stress, but I was told at that time that that route was very aggressive and unnecessary. They were very confident that a lumpectomy followed by radiation would be enough, so that’s what I did.
The following year cancer was found again, this time in the other breast. I advocated for a double mastectomy and got no argument that time. It has been a tough year. I did decide to get reconstruction; I should be done with the entire process by end of this year. I’m glad I did it but it had been physically, financially, and emotionally taxing to say the least. Even though I did get reconstruction I don’t feel at home in my new body yet. I know I have so much to be grateful for but this was very difficult. It’s a hard choice - actually a series of difficult choices. I hope you can make the decision that’s right for you soon so you can move through it and finally past it.