The threat of breast cancer is emotionally exhausting to deal with, and one woman decided to confront cancer at the pass. Beth Wentzel learned that she had masses in her breasts during a 2004 mammogram, and she decided to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive breast surgery in 2009. This was despite not being diagnosed with cancer. What a brave decision to make, and she is not alone in being preemptive in her approach to avoiding cancer.
Patient's Preemptive Approach to Cancer: Mastectomy + Breast Reconstruction (Photo: CBS News Stock Photo)
Reading Eagle published the story about Wentzel, who had the breast mastectomy and reconstruction after years of medical examinations. She is convinced even today that the procedures were worth the pain and emotional ordeal she endured.
The first mammogram in 2004 revealed calcification spots—often precursors to breast cancer. She received mammograms every six months and painful biopsies at least once a year for five years. The emotional anguish was nearly as bad, as Wentzel lived with fear of a potential cancer diagnosis.
After years of mammograms, biopsies and test results in the hope of outlasting the globular neoplasms, Wentzel decided to eliminate the threat once and for all. She had the support of her husband, Neal, when she began the mastectomy and reconstruction processes in September 2009. The reconstructive surgeries substituted her breasts with implants made of silicone; this was completed in June 2010.
Unlike Wentzel, most women are not aware of their breast reconstruction options. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that approximately 70 percent of breast cancer patients are not told of a reconstructive surgery choice. Wentzel is glad to have had the reconstructive procedure and “couldn’t be happier.”
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