Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction
What's Right For You
By (author) Patricia Anstett Photographs by Kathleen Galligan
Publication date:
28 December 2017Length of book:
224 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9780810895690
More than 100,000 American women undergo mastectomy and breast reconstruction every year because of breast cancer. Thousands more are having double mastectomies to prevent it. So much has been written about breast cancer, and so much overlooks the reality of reconstruction when a woman has a mastectomy and opts for this process. It is difficult, painful, and traumatizing at times. Most women do not emerge with a new set of breasts and nipples in a single operation. Breast reconstruction usually takes months and can take years to finish. Some women never do, living without nipples or with imperfect results. Others opt not to have reconstruction at all. Still others struggle with one of the biggest women’s health questions today: lumpectomy and radiation or mastectomy?
Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction offers a glimpse into the big picture of the various stages and types of breast reconstruction using stories and photos of real women. It offers a true picture of what breast reconstruction entails, and offers hope to those facing it. This is a book to help women with a variety of issues surrounding their choices, with powerful insights from women who have been there.
Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction offers a glimpse into the big picture of the various stages and types of breast reconstruction using stories and photos of real women. It offers a true picture of what breast reconstruction entails, and offers hope to those facing it. This is a book to help women with a variety of issues surrounding their choices, with powerful insights from women who have been there.
This work by journalist Anstett and photographer and breast cancer survivor Galligan (she’s featured here in Chapter 4) highlights the options and advances made in breast cancer treatment for those facing the disease, with women sharing their experiences, in detail, in order to provide the most up-to-date information. Decision-making can focus on mastectomy over lumpectomy with radiation, contralateral prophylactic surgeries, reconstruction (a variety on the menu, including a Texas-based surgeon who performs robotically enhanced minimally invasive reconstruction), or none at all. Genetic testing is a driver of some procedures, and the efficacy of those choices is covered as well. Additional chapters address insurance, sexuality, and family responsibilities. The text overall is accessible, but ultimately the authors suggest women take the time to deliberate on the alternatives and resist pressure from the medical community to jump in without knowing all the therapies and their repercussions. VERDICT A straightforward addition to the breast cancer canon.