Obtain a second opinion

When faced with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation obtain second opinions if you have any doubts or questions.

There are many types of surgery-lumpectomy, mastectomy, skin sparing mastectomy, lumpectomy with mammomsite, etc.  

Each patient may require different expertise.  Some surgeons are experts in breast conserving therapy and others lean more towards mastectomy.  Often, it is just a belief or preference.

It is imperative to know that different surgeons will recommend different procedures based on their preferences----5 different surgeons may give you 5 different recommendations.  It depends heavily on what procedures they are experienced in and what they believe.  

I have seen surgeons recommend mastectomy when lumpectomy would have been appropriate and preferred by most other surgeons. And it is a shame to do a mastectomy when lumpectomy is appropriate.  There is no reason for a woman to lose a breast if there is no benefit.  This is common and very unfortunate.  

FACT:  For early stage breast cancer, if a woman is an appropriate candidate for lumpectomy, there is no advantage to mastectomy.  A woman will not sacrifice her life if she chooses to preserve her breast.  Lumpectomy is equal to mastectomy except with lumpectomy she gets to keep her breast.

See this link for information regarding mastectomy vs lumpectomy in the USA.  Prepared to be surprised.

See this link for an excellent commentary by Dr. Susan Love on  double mastectomy and breast conserving therapy. Dr. Love is a pioneer in breast conserving therapy and superior woman's advocate.