As a woman who has lost both breasts to cancer, I am at a loss to understand why the media, except for the Wall Street Journal, has failed to report the ”other” side of the silicone breast implant controversy.
As a lawyer, I am appalled other lawyers and special interest groups, rather than scientists and informed women, will determine the fate of breast implants. It strikes me as fundamentally wrong that a product so vital can so easily be attacked and discredited with so little support.
I am the recipient of two silicone implants following modified radical mastectomies. My initial diagnosis came six years ago, when I was 25 years old and single. I am grateful beyond words that my plastic surgeon thoroughly discussed with me the various types of reconstruction and explained his preference for silicone implants. When I was again diagnosed in 1990, I returned to the same physician for the same surgery.
I am now healthy, happily married and practicing law in Chicago. I am one of the majority of women who is thrilled with my decision to pursue reconstructive surgery using silicone implants. It is the utmost of hypocrisy and condescension for anyone to deny my right, or the rights of the thousands who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the future, to make such a personal and vital choice.
