I was diagnosed with very early stage breast cancer because of a skilled radiologist. All the doctors wanted me to have a lumpectomy, then chemo and radiation. I did a lot of research on my own and decided to go for a bi-lateral mastectomy instead, and NOT go the chemo/radiation route. The doctors thought that was overkill. But I was more worried about being sick all the time than I was about losing my breasts (I was 63). They honored my wishes. When the affected breast was biopsied they discovered another tumor that would have been out of the range of the radiation, one that hadn't shown on the mammogram! I also chose to avoid a lymphectomy. There was absolutely no sign of spreading, and I dreaded the side effects of a lymphectomy as much as the chemo, etc.
It has been almost two years and I'm doing great. I have never regretted my decision. My advice is to do your homework and trust yourself. Be a part of the decision making process. I don't even wear the fake boobs, and I don't feel diminished at all. I don't know what the official time frame is (five years?), but I already think of myself as a survivor!
Modesto, CA