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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.
Comments
I think it’s really hard to say what I’d do in her situation, but I don’t fault her for her decision at all. Sounds like it will give her peace of mind for years to come, while still allowing her to maintain a positive body image. I’m just really impressed with her positive attitude! From what I read of the interview, she has a terrific sense of humor about it, but she’s also realistic about processing her emotions and working through her anger, grief and loss. I respect her more than ever!
Kudos to her!!! A well thought out decision with her priorities in line!
Having experienced a somewhat similar situation as Christina, I also opted for a double mastectomy 7 yrs. ago and I must agree with her - I also will have the perkiest “boobs” in the nursing home! I wish her the very best and she will certainly love her “new” look!
I applaud her courage to do a double! I know how she felt but they won’t let me (a man) do the same! Male breast cancer is so rare that even TV commercials and agencies treat male and female cancer sufferers different! Well, Miss Applegate, i wish you the best and good luck with your reconstruction!
I have a tremendous amount of respect for Christina Applegate. My sister was also diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and the tested positive for the same gene that put her at risk from our dad’s side…unfortunately even after a double masectomy and extensive reconstructive surgery, it metastized into bone cancer late last summer (same as our dad)and she did not make it…
PLEASE watch this Friday Sept 5th “Stand Up 2 Cancer”, Christina is a big part of this.
And good news is she is also making it part of her mission to get the genetic testing more affordable for high risk people (such as me…) I love her!!!