The Real World Impact of Having a Double Mastectomy

Rachel Evans made one of the most difficult choices a woman could make. She chose to undergo a mastectomy due to a positive BRCA1 gene mutation.

During this episode, Dorothy and Rachel talk about the emotional and physical challenges of the surgery and the impact it had on her femininity and ability to breastfeed. Rachel emphasizes the importance of research and information for women considering reconstruction after a mastectomy. And she opens up about the support she received from her husband, who is also a cancer survivor, and her hope for her children to remain positive and informed about their own health.

Key Questions Answered

1.) How can having a family history of breast cancer and a positive BRCA1 gene mutation lead to difficult decisions about preventive measures like mastectomy?

2.) How can reconstruction after a mastectomy have emotional and physical challenges?

3.) What does support from loved ones, like Rachel's husband, do for someone who just underwent a double mastectomy?

4.) Why is maintaining a positive attitude and staying informed about screening and available resources important to individuals facing a high risk of breast cancer?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:21 Growing Up with Breast Cancer Awareness

06:14 Considering the Genetic Testing

08:09 Making the Decision for Mastectomy

09:07 The Emotional Impact and Support

11:59 Reconstruction Challenges and Regrets

16:14 Supporting a Partner with Cancer

20:16 Hope for the Next Generation

21:43 The Strength of a Mother

23:12 Closing Remarks

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