Preventive Mastectomy: 10 Years Later

Posted April 15, 2026 by Prairie Wife -

10 years ago, I made the choice to have a preventive mastectomy.

In the first post, I shared about my decision. I wrote, “As I sit on the hotel floor typing this (we are down in Denver yet again, finalizing plans), I watch LittleMissH toddle over to me. She plants a big old slobbery booger-filled kiss on my mouth…and I know that I will do anything I have to do to have ten more years, five more weeks, one more day, with my children.”

And here I am, sitting at my kitchen counter, on my laptop 10 years later.

I find myself wondering if I could go back in time and tell myself anything about this process, what would I say?

Sitting here knowing how much it will hurt physically, how hard it will be emotionally to not be able to take care of my family for weeks at a time…knowing how long it will take to accept my new body.

And, knowing that in 9 years I’ll be going through it all again for a much-needed revision surgery…

What did I need to hear 10 years ago?

What would give me the strength to push through it all?

I don’t think I would have needed to hear that the pain will be bad, but manageable. That after a few years, you won’t hurt as much, and you’ll become used to the twinges that come and go with new activities.

I don’t think I needed to know that I would eventually come to love the way I look.

I already knew I was strong enough to handle what was ahead for my family and me.

I think the only thing I would have wanted to hear was “This is the right decision.”

Because I wish I could hear that and truly believe it in my soul now.

10 years later, I still have moments (though they are rare and brief) where I wonder if this was necessary, if it was the right decision, if we’ve accomplished what I hoped for 10 years ago when we first met with my oncologist, Dr. Dev Paul.

And as I face making similar decisions again after my mother’s recent death from ovarian cancer, I find myself wondering, “What IS the right decision?” and wishing I had someone who could tell me what to do now.

Rather than hearing my doctors listing off percentages, research information, and multiple options…None of which guarantees a cancer-free life.

It would certainly be a comfort now to know that whatever decision I make will be the right one.

But, that’s not how life works.

So instead, I’ll keep on foraging ahead, continuing to make choices that will help me to have as many years as possible with my children.

Not only do I focus on staying away from things that are harmful (toxic substances and toxic people), but I’m also adding as much into my life as I can to stay healthy.

Walks in the sunshine and time with friends.

Making memories with the Cowkids and being there for them when and how I can.

Eating healthfully while still enjoying what the world has to offer (like Double Stuff Golden Oreos and the occasional Dirty Chi Latte).

Going to Therapy and being more intentional with my words and actions.

Building my business and brand and planning new adventures!

After all, that WAS the original intention behind this whole process…to live my life.

Sitting here 10 years later, I find myself feeling like I have nothing more to say or share with other women who are considering undergoing a preventive mastectomy or are still in the process of accepting the results of the choice they made.

No.

I take that back.

I encourage you all to embrace where you are in life, trust your instinct when making decisions, and do your best to keep living a life of grit and grace!

Fall in love with the life you’ve been given. Nurture it with mindfulness, gratitude, and intentionality. Find causes worth fighting for. Find goals worth pursuing. Remember that every moment is a once-in-a- lifetime experience. Remember that your existence is a miracle. -The Minds Journal

Pictures Amanda Jo Photography

Preventive Mastectomy: 10 Years Later

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