Hi,
I've got a family history of breast cancer and recently have been diagnosed with being a carrier of a mutation on the BRCA1 gene. I am considering undergoing a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.
I've thought it over carefully and have accepted losing my breasts from the aesthetic and emotional point of view (there's not much there anyway! :D), I have seen my grandmother go through breast cancer and am quite determined not to have to go through what she went (after 6 years she passed away).
This might sound quite silly, but my biggest concern is the loss of arm strength and long recovery period. I'm 22 and the captain of our collage volleyball team, I also swim competitively. :D
Although sport is only a hobby, it's a very important part of my life.
So, getting to the actual question, is it possible to return to full form after a bilateral mastectomy (I'm not bothering with any reconstruction :) ) and if it is, how long would it actually take me to be able to play volleyball and swim again?
Thanks for answering :D