The negatives -

Earlier this week we talked about why you would want to undergo preventative surgery. It was easy to focus on the benefits of mastectomy and oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), but it is important to get all the facts. Today we are going to discuss the negative implications associated with these two methods of prevention.

However small or large, saggy or perky, or otherwise described we can all say one thing about our breasts. They are mine! Over the years they have developed with us, and have always been a part of our bodies. To say goodbye to them would be emotionally challenging. There are many choices available regarding reconstruction, and all of them have improved dramatically over the years. Even with advances these newly constructed breasts will never be the same as those God originally gave us.

So what is the purpose of reconstructive surgery? Aesthetics, and that's about it. Reconstruction gives us back our feminine characteristics and shape. For many women a completely flat or slightly concave chest is unacceptable. In exchange for peace of mind and a lower risk of having breast cancer we lose alot, but we can still look good in a bikini and fill out favorite little black dresses.

When considering removing your breasts there are many things you will be giving up. Since the surgeon will be removing the tissue that can be affected by cancer you will be losing several of the functions of your breasts. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove all of the essential inner mechanisms related to breast feeding. This factor alone makes breast removal a very hard decision, especially for those of you who have not completed your families yet. Not being able to feed and nourish your baby can be devastating. For some women the trade of breast for a bottle is still the best option to ensure that you will be there even when your baby is having children of their own. Next to consider is the loss of sensation, the loss of feeling in and around your breast tissue. Depending on the reconstruction method chosen there will be nerves cut and a certain amount of immediate loss of feeling. With some methods sensation can be regained over time, while with others very little sensation remains even over time.

Oophorectomy is recommended for women with a high risk of ovarian cancer, and when cancers are estrogen receptor positive. What happens when we remove our ovaries? I believe one of the biggest factors to consider before removal is your family. Have you completed your family? After surgery YOU will not be able to have children. This is a very serious decision that needs to be given a great deal of thought. The other factors to consider are the side effects caused by removal. Often women will experience surgical menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other typical symptoms of menopause may hit you like a brick wall. In many cases of premenopausal women theses symptoms come on with a vengeance, while others experience very few of them and only mildly. Other effects to worry about are depression and osteoporosis. Overall, with the exception of childbearing, these side effects can be reduced and managed by talking with your doctor about your options and finding what works best for you.

Every persons circumstances are different, therefore, the course of action for each of us may be different. What I am willing to do may not be realistic for someone else right now. I believe the most important part is to educate yourself, and to talk with your health care provider. If you are open about your concerns they will be addressed. My thoughts are that I am in control when it comes to prevention!