I had ILC in 2004. My surgeon did a lumpectomy. It was stage 1, no node involvement and thought she had clean margins. Two weeks later, a MRI revealed not clean more cancer. I asked for a bilateral mastectomy. Surgeon said no need, but agreed to the lateral. I was concerned but went along. Had 12 weeks of chemo and recovered. I went through 8 years of fear every time I went for checkups on the remaining breast. My fear materialized in 2012 when a cancer returned in the right breast. It was very small and found on an MRI, which I insisted on getting annually. Previously, I had trans flap reconstruction. Doctor recommended lumpectomy for the new cancer and I said no, I want it gone. I am tired of the fear. We did the mastectomy and I had a different reconstruction. I was annoyed because I could have saved myself many years of grief if I had received the bilateral in 2004. I been cancer free for 10 years from second episode. I am so happy that I pushed for the mastectomies and reconstruction. However this is a very personal decision for each person. Do your research, talk to people, decide based on your own mental and physical needs. Cancer is scary and a harsh journey to endure. My mother died from it, so I wanted to live. Listening to my doctors to get lumpectomies and radiation, I am not sure that my quality of life would be as great as it is now. I am very happy with my
decisions and advocacy to be aggressive with cancer treatments. The girls were not well so they had to go for my peace of mind. Decide what will bring you the most peace.