"That's The Fact Jack!"

So I had a bunch of people ask me about the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act and what that is all about. I probably should have delved into it a little bit more in my last blog post. That being said, I will in this blog post. I think it is important that this information is out there. I know many of you have dealt with breast cancer personally and/or have a friend or family member who is dealing with it

The Women's Health & Cancer Rights act was passed in 1998. Essentially, this requires most insurance companies who cover a mastectomy, also cover reconstruction. Under the WHCRA, mastectomy benefits must cover:

■ Reconstruction of the breast that was removed by mastectomy

■ Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to make the breasts look symmetrical or balanced after mastectomy

■ Any external breast prostheses (breast forms that fit into your bra) that are needed before or during the reconstruction

■ Any physical complications at all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedema


Obviously this is a very important issue for women. The first question anyone asks who is diagnosed with breast cancer and has to have a mastectomy is:

WHAT AM I GOING TO LOOK LIKE?


I will fully admit, after my first mastectomy on the right side, I did not look in a mirror for 2 weeks. When I finally did, it was shocking. It literally took my breath away. I won't lie to you. It is not pretty. Although I was going through reconstruction, I did not think what I was looking at would ever look like a boob again. 4 years later, on the right side, I have a silicone implant, nipple reconstruction and tattooing. And it looks pretty damn good all things considered. I am currently going through the same process on the left side now. What really sucks is back in 2009 I had a lift on the left side so my boobs matched(ALL COVERED BY INSURANCE!). Little did I know that lift would be null & void as I was diagnosed with early breast cancer on that side 3 years later.

That is why this act is so important. Even if you have to have a mastectomy, you have the OPTION of having reconstruction and it will be covered by insurance. Sure, some women do not want reconstruction. It is a personal choice.

Hope this sheds some light into a very personal issue for me. If anyone has any questions, my door is always open. Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at: sarmcl@gmail.com

XOXO-
B