Posted by Cindy on August 24, 2000 at 14:49:52:

In Reply to: considering optional masectomy posted by jessica on May 23, 2000 at 17:44:05:

: about a year ago i was diagnosed with a genetic condtion which gives me about a 50% of breast cancer. i am having a hard time with the fear of this, and am considering a masectomy. i would love to hear from anyone who did this. do they regret it, why? or anyone who has had breast cancer, do they wish they had a chance to do avoid their cancer. if i do it my risk is cut by 90%. How bad is the masectomy really on a persons psyche?

I'm still in the process of deciding whether or not I should be genetically tested. I'm 32 and I have a mother and sister who both had breast cancer. My sister was only 33 when she had her first cancer. They are both survivors though so I've not been as worried I think. Have you found any others resources to help your decision for the optional masectomy? What helped you decide to have the genetic testing?