Would you do it?

[i-need-a-martini]

Would you have a double mastectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Angelina Jolie did after doctors told her she had an 87% chance of developing the disease.

It's a pretty drastic thing to do. I'm not sure I would do it though. But then again I don't have a family history like hers.

You?

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/my-medical-choice-20130514-2jjyu.html

[polksaladallie]

For many women it isn't an option. Or at least not an immediate option. The cost is fairly prohibitive if you want to do it privately.

Or you can take your chances in the public system but you then have to wait and most likely will not get the plastic surgeon you would like.

That's how I understand it anyway. Tell me if I am wrong.

I think you are wrong.  Life and health are more important than possessions.  Most people have possessions they can dispose of in order to stay alive.

[azureline**]

A reconstruction will not help you stay alive though.

[twinkles**stars]

so true azure

[polksaladallie]

A reconstruction will not help you stay alive though.

You are right, I thought they were referring to the whole procedure of double mastectomy.  Now I see it was not that.

[i-need-a-martini]

I think you are wrong.  Life and health are more important than possessions.  Most people have possessions they can dispose of in order to stay alive.

I'm talking about the reconstruction only.

When my friend had to have her breast removed, she was admitted into hospital pretty quickly. Its the reconstruct she had to wait for.

[polksaladallie]

I think you are wrong.  Life and health are more important than possessions.  Most people have possessions they can dispose of in order to stay alive.

I'm talking about the reconstruction only.

When my friend had to have her breast removed, she was admitted into hospital pretty quickly. Its the reconstruct she had to wait for.

Sorry, Martini, I have seen my error.

[azureline**]

You are right, I thought they were referring to the whole procedure of double mastectomy.  Now I see it was not that.

Yes, that was what I meant, sorry it wasn't so clear.

No, her choice is her own re the bi lateral mastectomy.

The question in the OP was would you do it? , my answer is no. My daughter said she wouldn't even though she has a 95% chance.

Reconstruction is plastic surgery, after all and not every woman will want it, I am not sure I would still be saying no to reconstruction if I had both breasts removed ?. I suppose that would only be something I could know, if it happened.

[aspie*mum]

A breast reconstruction may be considered plastic surgery by some people, but I would consider it reconstructive surgery.  When I had my nose broken, sure, I could have gone around with it broken for the rest of my life, but I chose to have surgery to correct it.  I don't see it as overly different.  If something in your body has surgery or is wounded, you often want it repaired.  That's not an issue for me.

Living a long and healthy life is the most important thing to me.  So it would be a complete non-issue.  If I had the breast cancer gene, I'd have the surgery ASAP.  I'd have a reconstruction as well, as my breasts are very much a part of my personal body image.  

In saying that, if a reconstruction was NOT an option, I would STILL have the surgery.  Boobs are boobs, but terminal cancer means death.

[azureline**]

but she didn't have terminal cancer?

[*elizabeths-mum*]

At 87% risk it isn't something I would have to think too much about. 

I found these while looking online, beautiful women regardless of their scars.

The magazine cover is part of a campaign.

http://www.babble.com/mom/in-celebration-of-a-scar-25-amazing-mastectomy-tattoos/