I would imagine most people's vanity gets left behind -- or at least put aside -- when they are diagnosed with cancer. I don't know from experience, but it seems like a patient's priority would shift when they learn that they're fighting for their life. So I was interested to read this article on a woman who underwent surgery for her breast cancer that preserved her breasts rather than removing them. This radical new form of surgery, which originated in Milan -- a place where looking good is practically their religion, can even enhance the appearance of a woman's breasts while removing tumors. The surgery is being practised in London and other parts of Europe, but there's no word on whether it's coming to North America any time soon.
So my thought for today is: Are the breasts really important when fighting off cancer, or is it removing the tumor at all costs that matters? I think preserving a woman's breasts can preserve her self-confidence, so if it can be done, go for it. What do you think?
1. I'm having surgery with reconstruction on July 26th. I think have one BIG surgery is far better then multiple semi-big surgeries. My oncologist wanted me to put off reconstruction for TWO YEARS while I do a few more rounds of chemo. I don't want to live two years without hair (like a flag "hello! I have cancer!!") and not have two boobs in my bra.
Will all my tumor be removed? Who knows. But the question is, does it really matter? The cancer cells are everywhere in my body and while surgery is going to remove the bulk, or the mass, of them, the rest are still floating around, out there, waiting to show up somewhere else.
Let's face it, if we are going to have a tough time going through never ending treatment, the least we can do is look good!!
Posted at 9:12PM on Jul 4th 2007 by Rebecca