Crains' NY Business News Article

mradf

Anyone else see this:

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20101024/FREE/310249963

I have to say, I'm fascinated and horrified all at the same time.

The comment posted below the article is mine.

Be well,

Maria

thenewme

Yikes!!!

I'd hate to think my breast cancer surgeon would say something like "The breast is basically just a skin appendage. Removing one is not that different from doing a breast reduction."

I guess he thinks niggling details like margin clearance, node dissection, etc are just superfluous to the main objective of reducing the "skin appendage???"

GAHHH! 

That said, I did have my bilateral mastectomy done at a surgical center rather than at the hospital.  Both my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon prefer to do their surgeries there.  It did require an overnight stay, and was very well equipped and well staffed. I definitely prefer to go back there for my exchange surgery.  The "in-office" operating rooms  mentioned in the article (mastectomy in the morning and discharged by 3pm??) sound like a nightmare to me, not to mention malpractice lawsuits in the making!  

nagem

I actually find it comforting to think of the breast as a mere "skin appendage." And when I went to the Bodies show of cadavers at South Street Seaport a few years ago, that was my impression: that the breast is not a vital organ in the same way that internal organs are. It can be removed without damaging the underlying structures of the body--including musculature--or its functioning. And that is my experience with my bilateral mastectomy. Other than a change in silhouette, I am the same as I was before the surgery. That said, I do think outpatient mastectomies are a bit extreme. I was in the hospital 24 hours for mine, which some people would consider a "drive-through" mastectomy. But at least it was enough time to recover from the anesthetic, view the incision with a professional at my side and get trained in exercises to maintain my range of motion--all of which helped me immeasurably in making the adjustment.

mradf

nagem:

You make some good points, but they were your breasts to feel that way about.  We have many appendanges that are not vital to life, yet we would miss them terribly were they gone.  I often struggle with some form of guilt while I undergo so many procedures for breast reconstruction, because I think about the many "wounded warriors"  who have to live without a limb, not as easily hidden under clothing as our missing breasts. 

I cannot imagine an outpatient mastectomy - even your 24 hour "drive-through" is fine for many woman who have no complications and feel well enough to get up and go home, and who are not being forced home by their insurers.  I had bi-lateral with immediate reconstruction tissue expander placement and was in for two nights.  I couldn't imagine anything less. 

Be well.

Maria

mradf

Hey ~ I'm a published commentator!
Crain's contacted me for permission to publish my comment, and it appeared in the next issue.

Fun to see my name in print.  Maybe I'm a frustrated journalist!?

Be well,

Maria