Health Care

By: Christiene Bowden

When Christina Applegate discovered she had cancer in one of her breasts and results proved that regardless of chemotherapy and radiation treatments she would most likely have a recurrence, she did not hesitate to have both of her breasts removed. For most women, losing one or both breasts to cancer is not the preferred option, unless extremely necessary; but for Christina, who proved positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which oncologists have ruled as the primary indicator for a more likely recurrence of cancer, the least favorable option became her ultimate solution.

Between life and breasts, which one would you choose?

Most women would grapple for an answer, at least for a moment, desperately praying for another option. It is a tough decision to make with the grim reminder that death from this disease could be the worst case scenario if it is not arrested at once. However, some women define themselves by their appearance and losing their breasts are equally tragic.

Good there is breast reconstruction.

Oncologists across the country do not rally behind mastectomy for every breast cancer patient however when tests reveal the presence of the BRCA1 gene, they do not hesitate to recommend it. Prophylactic mastectomy remains as the most reliable assurance that the patient would have at least a 95% chance against a recurrence.

Breast reconstruction involves the process of creating fake breasts, depending on the patient’s preference. Based on the article written by Miranda Hitti and published at WebMD Health News, breasts reconstruction may involve transplant of fat from the patient’s belly or other parts of her body to the chest where the breasts were. Another is to opt for either saline or silicone implants. Both have been tried and tested on patients who have undergone mastectomy and so far the results have been encouraging.

Fake breasts may not feel and look as good as natural breasts but between adjusting to a flat chest on a woman’s body or having to maintain a good appearance with fake ones, most women stricken with breast cancer would surely opt for the latter. They may not have been so lucky to keep their natural breasts longer than they have wanted, but somehow breast reconstruction allows them to nurture what is left: their confidence and self-esteem.

For this reason alone, who would not say "yes" to fake breasts?

Christiene Bowden invites you to check on iwearitwell, a one-of-a-kind online store that sells head wraps, comfort wear and coordinates for cancer-patients and those suffering from hair loss or alopecia. You may also register to iwearitwell'snewsletter for updates on cancer research, latest news and issues.

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