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.