I've been seeing a surgeon for the past 2 years for fibrocystic breast disease. I'm only 18 and I've had 6 lumps removed from my breasts. All were benign and were swollen lymph nodes and fibrocystic tissue. I briefly mentioned having a mastectomy to my surgeon months ago and she just said "No way, I would never do that to someone your age." I have tried every suggestion, the vitamins, limiting caffeine, you name it I have tried it. The pain is just getting so unbearable, it hurts constantly and I keep feeling more and more lumps. I don't want to be going back for surgery of another lump every few months. The pain is getting to the point that its interfering with my activities of daily living, and I don't want to live with it for the rest of my life. I've read that having fibrocystic disease slightly increases your risk of breast cancer and I'm scared out of my mind I'm going to end up with it because of all the pain. I think my great aunt had breast cancer and just about all of the other women in my closer family have fibrocystic disease, but none as bad as mine.
I know that I need to talk to my doctor about it, but I'm trying to get some information before that. I'm really considering having a preventative mastectomy and I'm wondering if insurance usually pays for that? And do they pay for the reconstruction of it too? Is this something that any surgeon would even consider in my situation? I really feel like I have just exhaused all the options. I'm currently in a 2-year nursing school, so its imperative that I get back to school asap and I really can't miss any school. Generally, how long does recovery take (at least recovery enough that I could get back to class)?