My Breasts Were Sick–I Wanted Them Off

It is always jarring when a woman says she wants her breasts removed even  though it isn’t necessary. This survivor (in the middle) was adamant about doing so and speaks about her breasts and her womanhood in a very direct way. We have heard about men leaving their wives after mastectomy, but her husband was all in regarding her decision and her treatment. We know him quite well as he works in the same building and was here for all her visits.

IN HER OWN WORDS: My breasts were sick I wanted them off. Dr. Kehoe looked surprised when I told him so. I had finished lumpectomies on both sides and chemotherapy and was about to start radiation therapy when I decided enough is enough.

He asked me if I was sure. I said yes. I think he kinda tried to convince me otherwise, but I wasn’t hearing it. Both of them were sick with breast cancer. I had it bilaterally. I had a strong family history and just didn’t want them anymore. I didn’t want to keep them even though I could. I would have to continue with tests and anxiety and then more tests and more anxiety. Why keep them?

I don’t regret my decision. I feel clean and clear. I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I got a fresh pair! I am not my breasts. There is more to any woman that just her breasts. Maybe other women feel differently. Cancer is or was in them and could come back.

And my husband, who is my rock, didn’t care. He was with me every step of the way in my treatment and in my decision. He didn’t challenge me. He made my nightmare bearable. He knew I was more than just my two breasts.

When I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer, I felt that i was hit over the head. My surgeries, chemo treatment and doctor’s appointments became my job. My family and friends were my sounding boards. They cried with me as we constantly talked through it.

I am a five year survivor and I feel great…..