The F word

The worst four-letter word?  FEAR. 

I’m in a complicated, confusing relationship with fear.  Taylor Swift could write some songs about this entanglement. 

I get a lot of questions about choosing between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy when it’s an option.

You are afraid of a mastectomy.  I get it.  A lumpectomy may seem the easier choice. 

But the bigger fear to ponder is the fear of relapse.   

If you choose a lumpectomy, you will need mammograms for the rest of your life.  Do you know what we call it in the world of cancer? “Scanxiety.”  It’s a thing.  You will feel anxious in the weeks leading up to your mammogram.  You will have flashbacks in the face of that big bad wolf of a mammogram machine.  You will ll have anxiety waiting for the test results. 

Every lump, bump, or twinge will concern you. 

No one wants to live with this kind of recurring fear. 

I chose the harder option – a mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.  I no longer have real breasts, so I no longer can get breast cancer.  The freedom from fear is the gift that keeps giving. 

Of course, yes, statistically, I could get breast cancer again.  But the chances are so small, I don’t think about it.   

Plus, let’s be honest.  Radiation isn’t a great alternative either.  It’s like offering brussel sprouts in lieu of spicy eggplant.  It may be easier to swallow, but it’s not better. 

Most of the time, we are encouraged to focus on the present.  In this case, I would also think about the future. 

If it’s an option, I seriously encourage you to choose a mastectomy. 

No future mammograms.  No fear. 

I know it’s scary, but your breasts are replaceable.  You are not.  Yes, it will be short-term pain, but long-term gain is on the other side.

Trust yourself, and trust the process. 

Feel free to message me, talk to your doctor, or wrangle up your Horseshoe of support*. 

Download the “Top 10 Tips for Preparing for a Mastectomy” here.

* Learn more about creating your Horseshoe of support here.