My Life Is More Valuable Than a Breast, Is Yours?

By Captain Rhonda Byrd

Have the scientific advancements in breast cancer research created a generation of over confident physicians that have subconsciously placed their science, protocols, cancer and radiation centers above the value of a well-informed patient? Are surgeons so programmed with the Breast Conservation Protocol (BCP) that they have forgotten to ask their patients what is more important, life or breast? Have many physicians closed their eyes to the pain and suffering of women that have fallen victim to assurances that "mastectomies are not necessary"? Why isn't a documented consent-law required in every state, necessitating an unbiased discussion between physician and patient, to discuss all available options for the cure and/or treatment of early stage breast cancer? On November 12, 2013, the author elected to have skin-sparing, nipple-sparing mastectomies with implant insertion for early stage breast cancer. Her decision was not offered by a physician, instead, it was the result of observing the shock, pain and suffering her friends endured when the medical assurances that their chances of a reoccurrence were small and modern technology would keep them safe, had failed. In choosing double mastectomies, the author decided to take control of her future, eschew the role of a breast cancer patient and live life with a minimized threat of a reoccurrence. By chronicling her journey, and the journeys of four other women, the author hopes to initiate a conversation about all treatment options for breast cancer patients. By sharing stories about their breast cancer journeys, the women profiled wish to inspire men and women with positive diagnoses of early stage breast cancers to seek information, to understand the risks of each protocol option, and to make educated choices that weigh the potential consequences of their medical decisions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1849146292
• ISBN13: 9781849146296
• Release Date: March 2015
• Publisher: Completelynovel
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.4" x 9.7"