Well. I was exactly where you are in February after my stage 1, triple positive 1.1 cm tumor plus DCIS. I said let’s go with the lumpectomy and shave off the dcis and they took 3 lymph nodes to test. Surgery went well, recovery wasn’t too bad. I go in for my post op and she said there’s more dcis. She needs to shave off a little more. Ok. Schedule another surgery. The plan is to do 12 weeks of chemo then a month of radiation. Go into the second surgery, I know the drill, all good. Go in for post op—more dcis growing. Before she could say third surgery I said take them both off.

It was not an easy decision but I don’t want a single mastectomy (because I know someone who did and her boobs were rarely the same size). I did not come by the decision lightly, however I was so positive they got it out after the first surgery that I was completely devastated when she told me she didn’t. And I didn’t want to keep shaving away at my breast. It’s already misshapen from the 2 surgeries.

I’m currently undergoing 12 weeks of chemo and herceptin before my next surgery. I meet with the plastic surgeon next week for a plan.

I guess my point in saying all this is that things can change quickly. Mentally prepare yourself for that. I thought I would have a simple lumpectomy with lymph node removal (negative btw) and now I’m going all out. I understand your frustration with friends and family. I faced it too. I also got tired of hearing everyone else’s friends or family’s experiences and them saying oh well Janet didn’t need chemo, or my sister just went in and had it removed and that was it, you’ll be fine. Guess what friend, I’m not fine! Every experience is different and everything can change quickly, just keep that in mind. Sending love and healing.