Thanks to Lillian and Joicy for your response.
It seems like you are given little time to make a decision that is totally
life altering. Let me review the reasons I made the decision for the
mastectomy over the lumpectomy and tell me if you feel I am operating under
misconceptions. I know the surgeon and my regular doctor both feel the
mastectomy is the way to go, but I also realize they will never have to
have one and they are not speaking from the perspective of a woman or of
one who has experienced the procedure.
If they do the lumpectomy instead of the mastectomy there is a chance of
their not getting it all and then it could spread. This means more surgery.
If they do the mastectomy they are quite sure of getting all the cancer
cells, thereby reducing the chance of the cancer spreading.
>From my personal view, I am more afraid of the radiation therapy than of
the surgery. I have visions of being very sick on a regular basis and of
losing all my hair (which in the scheme of things is more important to me
than my breast, at least I think so) and even then living with the fear of
a re-occurance of the Cancer, possibly in a more deadly form.
With the mastectomy the survival rate is 95%. What are the odds with the
lumpectomy? Either option seems fraught with discomfort and danger. I
realize that the Mastectomy is a very permanent decision and even with
reconstructive surgery my body will never be the same. If the lumpectomy
doesn't do it I can still have the other surgery, but how much harder is
that on one's general health?
I have always lived a very busy lifestyle and I would like to be able to
continue doing so. Which option is likely to leave me with the best chance
of doing that?
I feel confident that I will survive and go on with my life with either
option, but I am financially responsible for myself. My job related health
insurance is my only support. My work is my only source of income. Bills
for the basic needs of life keep coming in whether I am working or not. I
need to be able to work as soon and as consistently as I can. Financially,
I can see myself through one surgery and time off for recovery. I would
find it very difficult to see myself through two or more surgeries and many
days off due to the effects radiation.
My family says I am a work-a-holic, but none of them are solely responsible
for their livelihood and their household. Should these concerns make a
difference to the decision I make?
Liz
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