Double mastectomy As breast Cancer Prevention?

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 08-20-2008, 05:18 AM

http://www.naturalnews.com/z011116.html
Out of a poll of 1500 women in Britain one fifth said that they would.

**elphie** · 08-20-2008, 08:15 AM

I saw an interview with Hattie Kaufman of "The Early Show" after she made this difficult choice. Her grandmother, great grandmother, mother, and two aunts had died from breast cancer. She had been tested and knew she had the gene. She would go every year for a mammogram and EVERY year they would find lumps. So far they had all been benign but the emotional toll it was taking on her was great. She had been seeing a nutritionist among other alternative healthcare providers but the lumps persisted and the emotional roller coaster continued. She finally made the choice to do the preventative double mastectomy because she could no longer live with the stress of constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.

She was amazed at the controversy that arose... after all this was her body, her choice and how she chose to handle this really was not anyone else's concern. She stated how free she felt after. That she knew bad things could still happen but she was no longer living in constant fear... after seeing so many relative fight a losing battle she just couldn't move on with her life.

I say good for her for making a choice that allows her to be present and embrace life instead of living in constant fear of the future. I don't know what I would do in her shoes but I am glad to know that an array of choices would be available to me.

**McD** · 08-20-2008, 09:26 AM

I'd do it.

**Izzy0906** · 08-20-2008, 09:54 AM

I'd do it. My life is worth it to me even if it just had a small chance of helping.

**TexasPeanut** · 08-20-2008, 10:14 AM

More and more woman are choosing this path it seems either as a deterrent of getting breast cancer in the first place, if they carry the gene. Or even after having it, going through treatment and being in the clear of the cancer, just to not have to worry about it recurring. It certainly isn't going to be the right choice for everyone, but me personally...without a blink of an eye or shred of doubt, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Sticking around as long as I can to be here with our son and grow older with my husband is far more important.

I'm just think it's great that the option is available to woman who want to choose that path.

**EmilyD** · 08-20-2008, 12:34 PM

I probably wouldn't cut off both breasts for cancer in one. I probably wouldn't cut off a whole breast if part of one would do.

I think it is extreme ... but I am not in that position so I don't know.

When I found out I had endometrial cancer I wanted the whole mess outta there .. and it was all removed. Don't miss it a bit ... but I can't say I wouldn't miss my breasts.

**Darlene** · 08-20-2008, 01:01 PM

I am more, so much more, than a pair of breasts.

**elphie** · 08-20-2008, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Darlene

I am more, so much more, than a pair of breasts.

Amen sister!

**frugalfoster** · 08-20-2008, 03:09 PM

25 years ago my mom made this decision after losing her best friend to breast cancer. She had just found lumps in her own breasts. At that time having a double masectomy was being done frequently as a safeguard against cancer. Her lumps were not cancerous at the time, but showed chances of becoming such. So she made the decision to have them removed and have implants put in. She never regretted the decision and it probably gave her a longer life span.....unfortunately she died from lung cancer 25 or more years later. And yes...she was SO much more than breasts!!!

**EmilyD** · 08-20-2008, 05:38 PM

I am so much more then a pair of breasts as well ... however .. since they are considerable size, it would alter my appearance by much more then I would imagine a flat chested woman. I DO identify with them as part of my womanhood and part of my identity. I have had breasts since I was 9 years old and I would not just lopp one off for a lump.

I have had lumps most of my adult life, I DO NOT check monthly cause there are ALWAYS lumps. I get a once a year mammogram and examination, the doctor knows what he is looking for. I don't and would rather not go through the stress every month of wondering which ones are new, or whether this one or that one is "bad" or "good". It works for me ...

If I did find a lump and it was cancerous I would want a lumpectomy if at all possible. Cutting off a breast for a lump is silly. Most doctors will try to get you to cut off the whole breast .. at least they used to.

If I had a breast removed it would have to stay the way they cut it because I have no money for all the recontruction ... that is "cosmetic" surgery to the insurance.

**elphie** · 08-20-2008, 05:51 PM

I think you make a good point Emily... and isn't it great that you can make that choice. I don't think anyone is saying that there isn't a lot to consider here; just that every woman deserves the right to make her own choice based on her own medical history. I would never presume to know what choice another person should make; only you can know what is best for you; mind, body, and soul.

**janis362529** · 08-20-2008, 09:40 PM

My self I am waiting on approval for testing for the gene. Several women on both sides have had breast cancer. Knowing that I have decided that if the test comes back positive to go ahead an take the boobs. Our insurance does not see implants due to mascetomy as cosmetic so it will be covered.

I am 28yr old mom to 3 and as far as cancer treatment I will take preventive steps, removal of masses, and natural remedys but I will not go for chemo or radiation. My hubby has been aware since before we got married and has accepted my decisions