Lori
My Mom also had both breasts removed a year ago. She had lobular breast cancer. Her lymph nodes on the side of the lump were involved and she had pre-cancer cell in her other breast. The chemo treatment she had was every third week. She could drive after them and the only side effects she had was being tired. She also had radiation treatment which really made the skin red and tender. What the doctors told my sister and I was that unless there was a family history of breast cancer this didn't mean we were going to get it but that it sure increased our chances. I'm 41 so I get a mammogram. My sister is 34 and she too is getting them done. I know how you feel about your Mom. I feel the same way. It sure brings everything into perspective as to what is important. My advise is to live each day to the fullest.