Christina Applegate Photo © Brad Barket/Getty Images

Christina Applegate, 36, star of TV and producer of "Samantha Who?" appeared on ABC News with Robin Roberts, and talked about her breast cancer diagnosis and her double mastectomy. She spoke freely about her mother, Nancy Lee Priddy battling the same disease, the multiple surgeries and years of chemo that she endured, and her own decision to take a dramatic approach to her own breast cancer. Applegate, speaking just 3 weeks after her double mastectomy, appeared relaxed and healthy. She has opted out of chemo and radiation, preferring to have all of her breast tissue removed, to prevent any more incidents of breast cancer, and get on with her life. She plans to have reconstruction over the next 8 months. A double mastectomy is a pretty drastic solution, for any woman, but it seems like as especially difficult decision for an attractive actress with much of her life before her. After hearing her reveal that she tested positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation, and give details of her mother's diagnosis and recurrence, I can understand her not wanting to go through a lot of testing and treatment. I wonder which type of reconstruction she plans on - she joked saying, "I will have the perkiest boobs in the rest home!" when she's a senior citizen. That makes my guess implant reconstruction, but stay tuned! All may be revealed in time.

Would you have a double mastectomy if you were Christina Applegate? Leave your comments below or in the Forum.

• Christina Applegate at Celebrity Gossip
• Watch Christina Applegate's GMA Interview

Christine Druther Photo © Her2Support.org

Survivor's Perspective Speaks Volumes, Gives Hope
HER2 positive breast cancers tend to be aggressive and capable of spreading quickly - and 25% of all breast cancers are HER2 positive. This type of cancer can benefit from Herceptin, but patients often need support from survivors who have walked this road. That's where Christine Druther comes in. Druther started a website, her2support.org in 2001, to give support to other women who are dealing with HER2+ breast cancer. She is the voice of experience, having been diagnosed first in 1990, again in 1999, new metastasis in 2000, and has survived many treatments as well as the disease. Christine is a health educator and nutritionist, wants “to get the word out about the importance of breast exams and not waiting for your doctor to tell you when you have a problem, but know yourself,” she says. “It's a disease that can be controlled if caught early on. An informed patient is the best survivor.” Her website offers straight talk, news, information, and message boards for patients and caregivers who are interested in HER2+ breast cancer. I agree with Christine, that being informed is one way to take control of your cancer experience and get the best treatment that's available to you!

• HER2/neu and Diagnosis
• Herceptin for HER2+ Breast Cancer
• Tykerb is a HER2 Suppressor