The Meeting Place for Survivors: Re: Just diagnosed

Welcome, SJ. Sorry you had to find us, but there is a lot of support here!

I do have a question: who has told you there is a "big probability" that this cancer will recur? If it were your surgeon, I'm sure they would have made a recommendation. If you were given the option, then you will have to decide. ALL breast cancers have a probability to recur. Most do not. I hope you know that even if you do have a double mast, it can still recur. There is always breast tissue that is left behind.

It really depends on the type of tumor, the location, and other things. Many women today have lumpectomies and do just fine. I had one 6-1/2 years ago. My BC had spread to my lymph nodes. My tumor was 2.5 cm and on the top of my breast. My surgeon told me that the chances of recurrence don't have anything to do with what surgery is chosen, depending on type, etc. Some women actually do need a mastectomy. Just be sure that's the case before making that decision. If you elect to have reconstruction, that is a huge undertaking. Whether to have a mast. or not is enormously personal. No one can tell you what to do.

There are several women that post on this board whose BC has returned after a mastectomy.

Many prayers for you, and HUGS too.