You really say some stupid shit sometimes.
On April 27, I finished the three months of medical procedures that the
mastectomies involved. During that time I have been able to keep this
private and to carry on with my work.
But I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can
benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear
into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today
it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly
susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action.
My own process began on Feb. 2 with a procedure known as a “nipple
delay,” which rules out disease in the breast ducts behind the nipple
and draws extra blood flow to the area. This causes some pain and a lot
of bruising, but it increases the chance of saving the nipple.
Two weeks later I had the major surgery, where the breast tissue is
removed and temporary fillers are put in place. The operation can take
eight hours. You wake up with drain tubes and expanders in your breasts.
It does feel like a scene out of a science-fiction film. But days after
surgery you can be back to a normal life.
Nine weeks later, the final surgery is completed with the reconstruction
of the breasts with an implant. There have been many advances in this
procedure in the last few years, and the results can be beautiful.