I am likely at the same stage as you are right now. I have 3 chemo treatments left with surgery the end of February. I think it is a personal choice based on the opinions and expertise of your oncologist. I have cancer in the lymph nodes as well and will be having radiation after surgery. I am opting for the mastectomy in my situation and not doing reconstruction right away. I can choose to do that at a later date and it would be covered under OHIP.
I have worked in the hospital in the diagnostic department seeing women go through this many times, and my best advice is gather as much accurate information that applies to your situation and then base your decision on information current to you as you are ultimately the one who is going to be living with your decision.
Best of luck to you!!!

I had single masectomy June 2018 and 11 lymph nodes removed. My cancer tumor was large 7x6 was told from the get go from my surgeon and oncologist masectomy and lymph dissection my tumor in my breast shrunk to almost nothing and same with my lymph node. My oncologist stayed with the plan and I knew from the first time I was told I had a cancer tumor in my breast j wanted a masectomy. I have a breast form and happy with my decision.

JenD
I had BC in left in 2010 then in right in 2015. Both times I chose lumpectomy.
I don't regret either decision. I bought a piece of poster board kids use for science reports and mapped out pros and cons. I also called one of my docs who was very helpful.
Using poster board rather than a notebook you can see everything on one page.
In the end, it's your decision. You will make the right one. Good luck!

When I had my implants 16 years ago they felt weird fir a while and moved a little. But after a while they felt completely normal. No one believed they were implants. And all of my friends had to squeeze them. Lol they were so soft and real looking and feeling. I do think it might be weird to feel different on both sides. That’s why I did a double mastectomy so I would just be the same. But really 7 weeks is nothing. I’m sure if u gave it a couple more months you would feel better.

JenD, Good question. I had the choice too. My tumor was big, but I didn't have to have the Mastectomy but I opted for it. I am glad that I did. I had my Mastectomy May 2018. I had radiation because I had activity in 7 of my lymph nodes. After much thought and consideration, I am getting implants in April.

I did my research, talked to my oncologist, my breast surgeon, my reconstructive surgeon, my family, and my friends. I made a list of pros and cons to both.

Everyone's decision is different as is their journey. You will choose what is right for you. Just do your homework.

I hope this helps,
Barb