Jinx

Well, I thought this was some new procedure then see its outdated. That's good - tired of researching all of this.

iodine - would have to agree with you - didn't think of that - why chance losing sensation in good breast. Good point.

You must be very sure of your decision -- no doubt.

DCIS is considered pre cancer by some doctors and non invasive cancer by others. Right now its only in one breast and if you are unsure about having other breast removed perhaps you shouldn't do that.

From what I have read they do a pretty good job of matching your reconstructed breast with your natural breast.  I wouldn't worry about that.

But if your fear of a cancer diagnosis in your other breast outweighs your fear of losing a supposedly healthy breast then you have your answer.

I personally chose to have a mastectomy and I regret I didn't have the other breast removed at the same time. I really wish I had done that but I was too chicken -- not too unsure of losing the breast. But that's me not you. 

If you are uncomfortable or unsure with your decision then your decision is probably wrong.  You have to be sure.

And no one can predict the future for you.  You have to do what makes you feel comfortable and safe.  It's your decision and not anyone else's. 

 My best wishes to you to come to a good decision that makes you feel comfortable and safe.

No, I'm not a NOLA member yet but may be soon. I say 'may' because I haven't decided between NOLA and South Carolina yet.

I can't find my way around this new website. The 'search' box isn't helping me at all!

Congrats to all who have been there and back!

In my opinion there are more long time lumpectomy posters (or wish I could of had a lumpectomy posters) on this website -- the mastectomy survivors move on and disappear.

I never came to these boards for mastectomy support -- I came to find first hand experience from those who had reconstruction. 

A few months ago I read about a survey of women who CHOSE a mastectomy -- they were not regretful of the decision they made.

The survey concluded that women who CHOSE to have a mastectomy have made a decision that they are very sure of and very comfortable with.

Women who CHOSE to have a mastectomy most likely won't regret that decision.  They have no doubt.  I had no doubt.

And that's what the original poster asked - it was a question addressed to women who CHOSE to have a mastectomy. Not to women who had to have a mastectomy -- big difference.

I personally believe it is emotionally easier to choose to have a mastectomy then to be told you have no choice.