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http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20100326/new-debate-on-breast-removal-to-prevent-cancer?ecd=wnl_brc_051110View Thread

In answer to your question for a Unilateral gal (I only removed one breast), I thank my lucky stars every day that I still have one breast. I have talked to friends who have had both removed, and for them, they are not as aware of the loss (or maybe they are but aren't telling me) because unlike me they don't have the natural breast on themselves every day to remind them of what was. My breasts were (are) about the only erogenous zone I have and it is a huge loss....no denying. I cannot imagine being without them BOTH. It is hard enough missing the one. I had both IDC and ILC (lobular and ductal) invasive cancers. Yes, I know I have a 30% greater chance of the other breast developing it some day but that also means I have a 70% chance that it WON'T! In the meantime, I am enjoying what I have and maybe one day it too will come off but I think my surgeon's advice 18 months ago was the best I could have followed. I asked if I were his wife what would he do and he said why would anybody ever take off a perfectly good breast out of fear. The stats just do not support the claims that women don't want to worry about it coming back in the other breast. More often than not it does not. My husband is more bothered about my lack of libido than my body change. Chemo and Tamoxifen are sex life killers. I am 1 year out from chemo and that hasn't changed. Plus, I hate my reconstructed breast which has no feeling whatsoever. Hate it. It's a hands off zone. Sorry gals - that is just where I am at. At least if he tries real hard I can be turned on by having the other breast and for that I am very grateful.View Thread

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