Christina Applegate Talks About Breast Cancer
In August of 2008, after Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer, she and her Doctors decided the best course of therapy was to undergo a double mastectomy. Applegate commented that this was the most "logical choice" for her, in light of her family history -- her mother has had breast cancer and cervical cancer -- and she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene. Benefiting from early detection through a doctor-ordered MRI, the cancer was caught before it became life threatening.
Currently, Christina says she has saline expanders in her body, which will make way for her new breasts. Tissue expanders are like empty balloons inserted just under the chest muscles behind the breast. Over a period of several months, they are incrementally 'expanded' with sterile salt solution in order to subtly stretch the skin to make room for the implants. The procedure is usually performed in the Doctor's outpatient facility and is not usually uncomfortable, except for some slight pressure just after the initial injections.
Though she's proud of her proactive decision, she says she's reminded of her loss every day.
"It doesn't feel the same, and it's hard to carry your purse," she says. "I cry at least once a day about it because it's hard to overlook it when you're standing there in the mirror. When you look down, it's the first thing you see... So you're reminded constantly of this thing -- this cancer thing that you had."
On the bright side, Christina says she won't have to wear a bra ever again. She also feels victorious in the fight against breast cancer.
"I have taken a very progressive stance in the rest of my life," she says. "For that, I'm really grateful."
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To read more about Christina Applegate's interview on CNN, Click Here.
To check out Christina Applegate's Oprah Interview Click Here.
