I’m pretty sure the patient can opt for breast reconstruction surgery following the mastectomy, but I don’t think they combine the two into a single procedure. Plenty of mastectomy patients don’t have any reconstruction.
It depends on the person, and their desires, and on some physical factors (my cousin had a double mastectomy but was not a candidate for implants). Obviously, someone with Jolie’s money can afford the best treatment of her choice.
For those without Jolie/Etheridge money, does insurance cover a preventative mastectomy?
I can see how it would be much cheaper for them to do this before there’s a diagnosis of cancer, but otoh they often gamble (and often correctly) on preventative measures that the insured will have different insurance before they have to pay out.
Per numerous articles about Jolie’s decision, many insurance companies do cover preventative mastectomy if certain risk factors are present – the primary one being the BRCA gene that Jolie has.
I’m wondering if insurance covers the initial genetic testing, now.
I don’t necessarily think of it as brave nor fearful, more like it’s just practical. But Melissa Etheridge can help herself to can of shut the hell up juice. Did I say can? Have a whole case, bitch.
I think for a woman like Jolie, for whom a large part of her life and career involves her physical appearance, making such a drastic change in that physical appearance is an act of bravery, as well as being practical.
I would like to order a case of your STFUBitch Juice, please.
Even if you have reconstructive surgery, you don’t have boobs: I mean, you can’t nurse a baby, the nipple won’t be sensitive: your looks may not change, but it’s still a real loss, and must be a very difficult choice.
Agreed. I can’t imagine having my pinky fingers amputated “just in case”.
Ms. Jolie has had and nursed babies, and she underwent a procedure that is intended to preserve the nipple and its sensation. You are correct that it’s not a natural boob, but as long as she isn’t intending to act with full frontal nudity what she has will serve her adequately in her profession.
It’s her body and her choice. I don’t think this was done on a lark.
That was my point. I am not second guessing her decision. I am just saying that a boob job doesn’t “fix” losing your breasts, and that it is awfully androcentric to think that possible changes to her profile were the main issue she–or any woman–grappled with when making the call.
In case anyone missed it, a discussion about offensive t-shirts produced this wonderful post by Beelzebubba.
Of course it was in Jolie’s case, she’s a movie actress with famous boobs.
What a dumb bitch.
you’re worthless
Now, now, Jackmanii. give the lady some credit!
Well, that is true - in the same way that I am taking the most “fearful” path when I swerve my car to avoid a head-on collision. The brave path would be to keep driving straight on ahead regardless: after all, some people DO survive head on collisions!
And she’s right! In this case, it comes from the defective BRCA-1 and/or BRCA-2 genes within every cell of her body.
See, you’re being far too hard on her! 
My gf had surgery to remove a small malignancy from her breast two years ago. The genetic testing was discussed, her insurance paid for it, and she did not need chemo (just radiation and now a daily anti-estrogen drug). If her insurance did not cover the oncogene testing she would have either paid out of pocket, or had chemo.
We were prepared to pay cash, but some people wind up receiving chemo needlessly, I guess.
Not exactly the same thing, but your post reminded me of this.
mmm
What in the fuck makes people think their “beliefs” hold any precedence over scientific evidence. I’m quite sure Angelina Jolie’s doctors have forgotten more about breast cancer than Melissa Etheridge will ever know. Do these fucking idiots forget that doctors have put over 8 years of schooling into studying this stuff or the fact that it is their job? Some people…