Personal stories about women who chose breast-conserving therapy or mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Maggie, age 61: I don't want to lose my breast. It is a part of me, and I don't believe that I would feel the same way about myself if it were gone. Wearing a prosthesis seems like a hassle, and I don't want to have more surgery to reconstruct my breast, so the lumpectomy feels like the right choice for me. I don't mind going for the radiation treatments.

Ellen, age 49: I live about 60 miles from the nearest cancer center. Traveling to and from there each day will just be too much for me. I would rather have a mastectomy and not have to go through 6 more weeks of treatment. At some point, I may decide to have reconstructive surgery to restore my breast, but I can't take that much time off from my job right now.

Joan, age 52: I don't want to have a daily reminder, a flat spot on my chest wall, about this cancer. I want the doctor to take out only what is necessary. I think if I had a mastectomy, my scar would be a constant reminder of my cancer, even if I chose to have reconstruction. Also, I work really close to the cancer center, so it will be easy for me to have my treatments.

Beth, age 65: I don't want to have radiation treatments. I know that it is not the same today as it was years ago, but I still am concerned about the side effects and the weeks and weeks of treatments. I'm glad that I have the choice. I am certain that I do not want to have radiation, so mastectomy seems like the right choice for me. Maybe some day I will have reconstructive surgery, but right now I just want to get on with my life.