I have breast cancer. What should I do?

Question

First of all, so you'll know how I feel about my breasts - I don't like them.They sag too much and there's too much of a size difference. I've cried trying to find a bra. And when I loose weight, they shrink down to nothing and I look flat chested without bra on. The surgeon gave me a choice of a lumpectomy or mastectomy. With the lumpectomy, I would have to have radiation, and possibly more surgeries if they don't get it all. It's the smaller breast, so threre would be even more of a difference, and it would be misshapen. It's the type that hasn't spread, so with the mastectomy (I'd have them both removed) it would be over and done with. I'd only have to recover from the surgery, then I could get on with my life. I hear prosthetics are uncomfortable, though. If it turns out I can't except it, I could always have them reconstructed. And if a man can't accept it, then he doesn't love me enough. What would you do?

Answer 1

This is a difficult decision and one that is your's alone.

But for myself, I'd go ahead with the mastectomy.
I've known women who have had the lumpectomy done, and the radiation reatments they went through were awful for them. Of course, every person is different, and the experience might be different for you.

I'm small breasted anyway, so I don't think I'd miss having them. One perk is that you wouldn't really need a bra anymore, unless you wanted to place a little padding in to mimic having breasts.

As for future relationships...Any GOOD man, who is worth being with, would be totally understanding, and would want you for YOU and would just be happy that you are healthy, not for some superficial mass of flesh that is on your chest.
Breasts purpose is not so that men can get their jollies from them, their primary purpose is for nourishing a baby. Plain and simple. You didn't say how old you are, but the only real down fall of having mastectomy is that you wouldn't be able to nurse your baby, if you had one.

Answer 2

due to stress and depression and side effects your health insurance if you have it might cover the cost of breast re constructive surgery.
I personally am pretty self conscious and would have them both removed and redone. If you are dealing with a man right now who can't deal, you need to sit down and find out just WHAT the problem is. He could be worried after the new boobs you will be a whole new you and want to find a whole new man.
If its a, in the future guy, Then he most likely will admire your strength than the fact that you have fake boobs. :)

I wish you well and good luck.

Answer 3

Well, I would probably think a bit more on the removal of a breast that is not affected. And most women have a breast that is smaller then the other, and time they do droop , and they are mostly made up of fat so losing weight does tend to shrink them, So, you to that point are normal. I am sorry to hear about the breast cancer , and pray that they have found it in time. But , I think you ought to contact other women who have dealt with breast cancer, they may have some very important information to share with you. You are not alone.

Answer 4

Sounds like a mastectomy would be in your best interests. No long bouts with radiation with a chance of more surgeries down the road. Plus you are already unhappy with your breasts....so having them removed and reconstructed to something you like will undoubtedly help boost your self esteem and make you feel better.

Either way good lck and I hope they get it all with the first attempt no matter which procedure you pick.

Answer 5

You are very brave, God bless you!!! I think you don't need a man who only looks at you because of your appearance or how big you breasts are. If he trully loves you, he will stick with you through surgery, sickness, health, anything. So your bust size should not matter, or even if you have them. If it matters to you, yes you can always have surgery, but as for the man, look for someone who you think will accept it and help you deal in your time of need. Not all men are great, and are always out there for the wrong thing, so search carefully.
Good luck. Best wishes

Answer 6

Yahoo Groups has a group on breast cancer. There is a lot of info and support there. I suggest you join and read through the many posts that are there. I bet you find some that are very similiar to your situation. Go to Yahoo, then Groups, search for "breast cancer". When the group comes up, click on join.

Answer 7

I'm sorry to hear that but your attitude is great. I would ask my Dr. which treatment would prove most successful. If his response was something I didn't want to hear I would still go with it knowing it offered the best results. As far as the 'man' goes, I would tell him in the early stages of the relationship so that if he is uncomfortable with it he can exit Before you are too involved. I wish you much luck and happiness.

Answer 8

This is a tough one. If it were me I would probably have the mastectomy. Then breast reconstruction. Yeah, I would get me some big beautiful DD’s by some hot shot Hollywood plastic surgeon.

Answer 9

first discuss in detail everything wit ur doctor.
get to know through tests whether it is estrogen receptor positive or negative , than if it is receptor positive , go for radical mastectomy with simultaneous reconstructive surgery , this way u will b saved from another operation for reconstruction and also ur discomfort,pain and bills will b low.than u will hav to go for treatment with tamoxifene for about two yrs and than after getting one more test done , u'll b declared cured.

and if it is estrogen receptor negative,than also same procedure except tamoxifene,