CNN.com - Young People Who Rock

Lindsay, what an amazing decision for you to make. As a 24 year-old woman myself, I find your story inspiring and hope that other young people will look towards your example in trying to make a positive difference in the world.

Isn't this move a little drastic?

Can't Lindsay get exams very frequently instead of lopping off her breasts? Please clarify, because i'm a little horrified by this peice.

Hi Lindsay,

I work in a major cancer center
in NYC and like you have a high cancer risk due to family history.
I feel bad for what you went through, but also feel great for you in that you had the courage to have the surgery performed. I wish
you the best of health, happines,
and peace of mind.

Wow, I am very impressed with you. We live in a world that is so consumed with surgical beauty that the heart is masked and overlooked. Our insecurities have seemingly dominated our lives to the point that we have lost sight of what really matters in life. I hope and pray that you meet a good guy and have a wonderful family and life.

Hi Lindsay,
While your personal story is compelling, even more profound is your inspiring leadership to educate young woman about testing and prevention. May all women BE BRIGHT PINK.

Barbara

Lindsay, coming from a mans point of view, what you did is truely amazing and brave. I applaud you for it. Although you are young, and some say it may have been drastic, it comes down to one thing: it's your decision, your body, nobody elses.

Lindsay,

Working in the medical field and studying the biological sciences (genetics in particular) makes me understand this story. You are a very, very brave young women. At being 27 myself I can't imagine having to make that choice myself, but not just one body part defines who you are, it is your whole being. Good for you for being aware of your health and taking actions to prevent something as life threatning as cancer.

I wonder if Lindsay realizes death will come her way even with no breasts. If she has a predisposition for cancer, chances are she will die of cancer anyway. No human being lives forever, dear. You are no God to play Savior. WWJD?

The predisposition to breast cancer wouldn't have guaranteed Lindsay the development of breast cancer. Though her actions took guts, there is also the possibility that cancer research could develop a cure or effective treatment in the next 20 years. This is especially true since cancer research is some of the highest funded research in the world.

exams aren't always accurate. she is taking any measure necessary to save her own life. what is so horrifying about that?

I disagree with "anonymous" - after my mom was diagnosed - we found out the tumors were benign, but we were lucky. My mom and I participate in Race for the Cure and such things other than that that go toward the cure...
You are so brave and I think this is one of the most awesome things I have ever read. I'm 20... and I don't know if I could've done that. But considering your circumstances, I see why you did this. Congratulations to a Cancer-free life.
-Melissa, IN

Lindsay,
I am amazed by the courage and complete self confidence that it must have taken to perform this surgery. I hope that if i ever encounter anything like this in my life that i will be able to be as positive and inspiring as you have been to every woman that reads this article.
thanks so much for sharing your story!

I am adopted and have no medical history what kind of advise would you give a person like me?

This was a brave move on your part. I am a guy but I can only imagine what a big decision this must've been for you. The article mentioned you want to get married and not have this problem to deal with. There are other issues that may occur based on your current decision that may hinder you from sustaining a 'healthy' marriage, such as the intimacy and physical attraction side of relationships. Of course, finding the person who loves you for who you are is the ultimate goal. But we all know it takes more than that for relationships to last a life time. How do you plan to continue the 'attractive-ness/intimacy' required to sustain a healthy marriage that maybe affected by your mastectomy? Will you get breast implants in the future?

Lindsay,
I am amazed at the courage and complete self confidence it must have taken to undergo this surgery. I hope that if i am ever faced with anything like this in my life, i can be as positive and inspiring as you have been. You are truley an example of a strong, amazing woman. Thank you so much for sharing your story, good luck in all that you do.

Lindsay - Good for you! You are very courageous and wise to take control of your life instead of waiting around and wondering if you will be a victim. God bless you - Good luck!

Did you have reconstructive surgery? I'm curious, as I am in the same position as you, and I have just battled (and for the time being won) Ovarian cancer. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. I'm very impressed with your courage, I believe you did the right thing, and that is what I'm going to do to. Thank you for sharing with all of us, bold moves like yours, will inspire others, and save lives.

I find this to be drastic, paranoid and quite honestly sad. I am saddened that sensible adults in your life didn't steer you away from self mutilation on the CHANCE, yes chance mind you, that you might get breast cancer.

In response to the person who thought this horrifying & too drastic...it really isn't if you want to stay alive. My sister has a few months to live as she was diagnosed with breast cancer and she did get regular screenings! Her cancer is a very aggressive cancer and grew very quickly IN BETWEEN HER SCREENINGS! Some women do still die even when their cancer is found early. Each person is different, cancers are different and it's truly not worth the risk for high-risk women who have a good chance of getting the disease. One can also choose to have breast reconstruction afterwards. I value my life over my breasts any day.

I am assuming she has the option of breast implants. This makes the decision actually quite easy. Not only is she safe from cancer, but now she can have the perfect and paid for breasts.

I too had a family history on both sides, and was having mamograms every 6 months followed usually by a biopsy because there was always something suspicious found. I choose at the age of 50 to have a double mastectomy to rid myself of the constant fear of when I would be diagonosed not if. As is turned out, my pathology report came back and there was cancer there. Because I caught it so very early, no other treatment was needed. I made the right decision and I applaud you for your courage.

As a man, I find this decision both to be shocking, horrible, defeatist and myriad number of other things.

To remove your breasts because you were genetically predisposed to breast cancer is extreme. Women should be horrified that another woman actually thought this was a good idea. Let me cut my breasts off now, just to be sure I can never get breast cancer.

The doctor who performed this surgery should have his licensed revoked. This isn't the 1800's when you saw someone leg off because we don't know any better.

I don't think this woman "rocks", I think she has some serious deep seated emotional and mental issues that should have been addressed before allowing her to voluntarily have her breast removed with no sign of cancer evident and no medical reason to remove healthy tissue.

Especially at 23, we think we know how we are going to be for our lives and know who we are, but we change daily and this is something she will truly regret later.

Somehow this woman is now being idolized for her self-mutilation and extreme measures to prevent cancer. To just say because other females in my family have gotten breast cancer, I am just going to remove mine now and get it over with. I feel sorry for her now and in her future.

I cannot believe how completely ignorant the anonymous person is. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer at 35 years old and having two maternal aunts suffer and die from breast cancer, I also chose to be genetically tested for the genes. Blessed be me because I dont carry the BRCA genes, but had I had to make that decision, I would have DONE EXACTLY THE SAME THING. Until you walk a mile in someone's shoes, you shouldn't pass judgment on their decisions. She saw how devestating this disease is first hand, and I applaude her and her decision! YOU GO GIRL! :)

Sure, you can be frequently monitored instead of having a bilateral mastectomy. But, there is always a chance the something can be missed and many women don't want to have to constantly live with the fear of "when" it is going to happen instead of "if."

I also carry one of the BRCA genes. After watching my mother go through cancer treatment two times and having my own cancer found this summer, I also decided to have a bilateral mastectomy. The risk of a new cancer developing was too high for my comfort and I don't want to spend the rest of my life fearing the cancer coming back.

This decision was difficult, but one that made sense for me and for my family. It's not the right thing for everyone, but the best thing women can do is to be informed of their risks and the choices available to them to reduce their risk to the level with which they are most comfortable.

I applaud the women who take control of their health and their future!

I think that is great to eliminate a problem before it arises, but how do you feel self esteem wise when you wear your clothes? Will you get implants or use padded bras and stuff them or how will you carry on?

Lindsay, I, too, have a family history like yours. My mother (currently battling her last recurrence of cancer since it's metastatic) had genetic testing done and is BRCA1 positive. My sister and I are not. We still consider having a preventative mastectomy done, however, since we are sick of cancer in our lives. I applaud your courage. Looking cancer dead in the eyes and saying, "You can't have these," is very brave.

You are very brave Lindsay. Congrats on making such a difficult choice so young.

As to the commentor who suggested it was a drastic choice, here are some throughts for you:
1. Frequent exams frequently fail. Young women have very dense breast tissue and exams can't always find a tumor.
2. Once they find a tumor it's already too late. While the lump may not be cancer, in someone with Lindasy's history it would not be surprising to find that it is. Then, not only you need a masectomy, but you'll need cancer treatment as well. The treatments make you very ill and this is part of what Lindsay wanted to avoid.

You are so brave! At a time when most women our age are so concerned with looks, you have looked beyond that and thought about your children and their children! Remain Blessed! You inspire me!

25yr old!

So are they just...gone? Is it possible for Lindsay to get implants?

Wow. This does seem drastic, but I guess makes sense given the family history. Still, I don't know if this kind of thing should be celebrated.

Good for you!! I went thru 3 surgeries, chemo and radiation 4 years ago due to Breast Cancer. Even removed my ovaries to stop production of most estrogen. Anything you can do to prevent the disease and a hideous year of your life is great!!!

Oh, to the anonymous poster who asked if this was drastic, how awful the way you phrased it. Couldn't you have been a little more delicate in your post?? That is not how it happened so why say it like that. I commend Lindsay for what she did, it had to take tremendous courage to go through with that. I don't think it was something she did on a whim either. If you read her story she has had every woman in her family experience cancer of the breast and she was a possible candidate for it. I wish her a lifetime of health and happiness.

Wow!

I find this story to be an example of the most amazing kind of courage imaginable. Lindsay obviously came from a very close and strong family and she also saw many of those closest to her go through an experience she didn't want to live through. I think this is an extraordinary woman who will be very successful in anything she chooses to accomplish.

I wish there were more women like her in the world who cared more about life and less about superficialities.

-Al Velasco

i find your story really inspiring, lindsay. i also have a genetic prodispositon for breast (and ovarian) cancer, and am going to have to start getting mammograms at a young age--i am only 25.

i wish you all the best! you are such a brave person.

I think you are very smart and brave Lindsay. The best defense is a strong offense. I am a breast cancer survivor, and I know people who have made the decision you have made. It's a good one.

If everybody in your family would have cataracts and would go blind when old, would you remove your eyes?
I understand your fear, but I think you did more harm than good to yourself.

You realize that cutting off your breasts wont change the genetic code that you pass down to your children, right?

"Isn't this move a little drastic?"

I can only imagine that you haven't had any loved ones experience a protracted fight against cancer.

Losing a non-vital body part is a small price to pay for a cancer-free life when you have the deck stacked against you as much as Lindsay did. Lindsay should be applauded for doing the smart thing.

The "benefit" of having breasts is HEAVILY OUTWEIGHED by the risk Lindsay faced of developing cancer.

Smart decision. Why live your life in fear?

You are out of your mind. Do you honestly believe that the only way to cure cancer is to have your breasts removed? You are going to feel like a total fool when you realize that you could have protected yourself from cancer despite what your genetic predisposition is.

To anonymous posting 9/25/07 at 7:24 p.m. -
What this woman did was make a well informed decision - not "a little drastic". It's alot drastic, of course - but you can't just rely on early detection for very high risk women. By the time you feel a lump or see something on a mammogram or MRI, the cancer might have already spread... not to mention you will have to deal with the chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and life long suppression drugs just to stave off any late recurrence. She has decreased her risk of breast cancer dramatically (unfortunately not by 100%, but by alot)... and she also has peace of mind. Cost of bilateral mastectomy? Thousands of dollars. Cost of Peace of mind and cancer free? Priceless.

A preemptive double mastectomy?

I agree with previous commenter that this is a little horrifying. I am curious as to how much counseling Lindsay had to undergo before she was allowed to have this elective surgery and if her insurance covered it.

Mass media is making our kids dumber by the day, let's not start endorsing this type of behavior.

Living with,dying of or surviving breast cancer can be done courageously. This was just plain precipitous and unnecessary.

I would like to hear from Lindsay in 3 years and see how she feels about this choice then.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 years ago. She was 73. She was told she could undergo a lumpectomy and radiation and/or chemo or have her breast removed. Both of my mom's sisters had breast cancer, one died from it, the other died from complications related to dementia. My mom opted to have a mastectomy rather than risk anything. She wanted both breasts removed at the same time, but medicare would not pay for it. At 79, she continues to be cancer free and has yearly mammograms of her remaining breast. I am 49 and have yearly mammograms but I do live in fear to a degree. I don't know if I have a genetic predisposition to the disease or not but I have a daughter and granddaughter and that concerns me. God Bless you. I hope your message helps others.

Janet Landrum
Fulton, Missouri

Lindsay, You are so encouraging. I am 37 fighting breast cancer. I also took the test for the gene mutation and had decided if I was positive for the gene then I would do the same as yourself. Fortunatly I was negative but I can say since I am still in the fight of Breast Cancer this has been a horrible year for not only me but my family as well. I would never want anyone to ever have to go through and feel the way I do each day. If you can prevent it then I say go for it. You are an inspiration! Prayers are with you.

K
from NC

Dear Miss Avner,I certainly see your point in having the operation, but why not a breast augmentation to replace the maybe soon to be cancerous breasts that are now gone.

This is the most insane thing which I have ever heard of. This is self mutilation, plain and simple, and you people are lauding it?
There is a site known as BME, if I recall correctly, and we should possibly get this idiot a subscription to it. The site is full of body modifications, mutilations and such.
This 23 year old person is not someone to be celebrated, at all.

Rock on Girl.

I have the same situation. I am only 22 and in a few years I will be making the same move. It's very hard to get support, thanks for stepping up!!!

This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

Lindsay, this is a great follow-up to the recent NYT article by Amy Harmon, which included a link to your organization. I received my BRCA results when I too, was 24 years old. I haven't had surgery yet (I am 30 now) though am happy to report that receiving breast MRIs and sonograms for my ovaries are standard of care. Can you please send an email to this anonymous person and help allay his/her fears?

You rock!

Sara

I hope this is not an ignorant question but how do you know that the cancer wont spread somewhere else if it cant go to your breasts?

HI Lindsay

Wow it sounds a bit radical but I don't walk in your shoes. I am a bit ignorant of the details. Is it possible to do this with no or little scarring and then replace the loss of tissue by impants?

Lindsay,

What an amazing, faith-filled decision you made. I'm not sure if I could make the same one. My only curisoty is if you will also have reconstructive surgery to make your breasts look natural. I belive if this was the case, maybe alot more women could make the same decision you made.

I think this is a terrible message to send to young people, especially with the moniker, "Young People Who Rock!"

There is not a test in the world that can tell this young woman if she will or will not have cancer. If she is a high risk, then she can get tested more frequently. It takes about an hour.

Otherwise, what's so special about someone so overcome with fear, that they cut off their body parts? This gal needs counseling, not praise.

Lindsay I just did the same thing at the age of 34. I went from having an 85% chance of breast cancer to below 5%. I'm still going through my reconstruction phase and will be finished in early Spring 2008. I don't regret my decision and admire anyone who has the courage to change their future. For those that think this is a drastic solution please understand that the only other option is waiting for cancer...that is not something I was willing to do.

Lindsay, I'm sure there is are good physical reasons why women have the breasts they do - and I don't mean breast feeding, which itself is important should you want to have children. I don't believe that genetics = destiny. And even if... what if they find a cure before your "destiny" comes around? I love my breasts and would never have them remmoved out of fear. Pre-emptive strikes are something our (not too bright) President condones. They don't make for peace - they simply destroy. I wish you all the best and hope you learn from what you have done.

Lindsay,

I think it's an awesome decision! You are not only protecting yourself but your future husband and children. I totally get it. I would do the same thing given your circumstances. Reconstruction wasn't mentioned, but with all the options for that, it wouldn't make sense to live every day in fear when you can head off serious illness and be as good as new in no time!...My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I'm truly stunned and horified by her decision. What and absolute slap in the face to women who actually have breast cancer. To give up healthy breast simply because you may get breast cancer is flat out stupid. Perhaps we should strike Iran because they might attack us someday. Maybe people with a family history of arthritus should have their arms amputated now. Makes sense, right?

I really feel sorry for CNN that they feel obligated to post this kind of junk "young people who rock" simply to get onboard with generation X.

My girlfriend Maureen P. is 24 now, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 23 years old. She had it in one of her breasts and decided to go for the double mastectomy. She also has several members of her immediate family who have battled breast cancer in the past.

I just want to let my girlfriend know that i am so proud of her for battling this disease face on and i know it is a struggle sometimes dealing with the pain, but I love you very much and will always be here to support you...

As a 46-year old woman who has undergone the same procedure, this is not a decision taken lightly. Unfortunatley, sometimes once you have cancer, it is too late. Prevention is key, otherwise, you spend your life wondering if you will get it, and if you will recover.

A drastic, but bold move to protect her own health and the well-being of her future family. My step-grandmother fought breast cancer 3 times, twice she went into remission. With a family history like Lindsey has I feel I would do the same, better to do it on your own schedule than wait until the bomb drops. The strain a drastic surgery like masectomy (or double) puts on a marriage is incredible.

What a brave, bold move Lindsey. I wish you continued health & happiness.

With all due respect for this young lady. I think that her decision was a bad one.
Science does predict things pretty well but a LOT of times science makes mistakes because it of incomplete understanding of things.
So trusting these doctors 100% with such a big decision is not wise in my opinion. I think the best thing to do in such a case as Avner's is to have frequent exams.

Lindsay,

I too am 23 and at a high risk. However, my medical coverage won't cover implants to replace my breasts. Are you going through the same thing? Are you getting reconstructive surgery? How does this work now?

I'm surprised a doctor even went along with this. Perhaps she is somewhat less likely to have cancer, but removing her breast hardly makes her KIDS less genetically likely to have breast cancer.

I applaud you in your brave decision. May you have a healthy and happy life.

I agree. I did the same thing. My sister has ovarian cancer and my mom had stomach cancer. Cancer runs in our family so I made the decision to have my ovaries removed last month. I think more women and men need help determine some of their destiny and mitigate risk!

this is a huge story and deserves more coverage than just this little snippet. for instance, did she have her breasts replaced with something else or just removed entirely? with all the press lately about so many women having a not so positive body image i wonder if that played a part at all in this womans decision. for any other woman considering an option like this, this story needs a lot more elaboration.

This article is disturbing to me, and maybe it is because im ignorant to medical fact. There are two main reasons it troubles me. First, to have the mindset that you are destined to the same fate as others is very defeatest. Rather you can and should think, I will be the first in my long family line not to suffer from this, and take care of yourself in positive ways to influence it. Second, why not have exams more than the required frequency (twice a year or whatever) rather than removing body parts. I just fail to see the remarkability of this action.

Just because you have your breast removed DOESN'T MEAN YOU WON'T GET CANCER. I come from a cancer filled family. Have it myself (lymphoma). A neice had the testing done. She came up negative and on her 25th birthday discovered a lump. She has since had a double mastectomy. She had a fast spreading strain. Her doctor recomemded a double because there were signs that it would come back. (presently doing very well). A sister of mine had a complete historectomy and five years later was told she had peritaneal cancer (cancer of the reproductive area) Go figure! So if anyone is considering the removal of parts as a preventative, they should double, triple rethink that decision. You can still get cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lindsay,

What a terrible decision you were faced with. Being a scientist, and having cancer in my family, I'm sure you were armed with good information and an up-hill battle to reach your final decision. People undergo plastic surgery and ply their bodies with all sorts of legal drugs (caffeine, alcohol, OTC medications) to change who they are. You are very brave to share your story.

Your BOLD and Beautiful. You've made a decision to live for your future and the future you'll share with a husband and children. Bravo
Some may not understand but I think you made a very logical choi ce. Your breast didn't define you they only threatened you. BRAVO

Lindsay - you are obviously the most courageous, brave and beautiful 23 year old I have ever read about. It is humbling to even read about you. I wish you so much happiness in your blessed life.

I not really sure what to think, I am a Man and I believe in heading all problems off at the pass. I truly belive in my heart that you made the best decision for you and your presentand future family. You are truly a hero in most peoples eyes and those are the one you need to surround yourself with. For the ones that have a negative opinion forget about them. I hope you have a LONG and blessed life....

I am a five-year survivor now facing recurrence. I only had the annual exams instead of the more frequent ones because my insurance won't cover more frequent ones. My surgeon recommended a lumpectomy. I am now getting the double mastectomy I wanted in the first place. As far as I'm concerned, if a double mastectomy is Lindsay felt would give her the best quality of life, then more power to her. Anyone who hasn't been in her shoes should count their blessings instead of moaning and groaning.

Anyone who has anything less than positive thoughts for this girl is just plain ignorant to the disease and shouldn't talk unless they have been thru it - ALL OF IT.... the chemo, radiation, surgeries, vomiting, baldness, wigs, pain, lack of sleep, lack of energy, looks of pity from everyone you know & don't know AND hundreds of needles in the arm.
AND even though you can still get it after a double mastectomy... the percentage is less than 3%.
Don't talk unless you speak from experience - no one has a CLUE!!!!

To Dan and all the other critics out there: it's HER BODY! She can do to it what she wishes and could care less about your thoughts. Good on you, Girl! Hope you made the right move in hopes of extending YOUR life!!! :) God bless you.

I am stunned by some of the comments here. This young woman took a very brave step when she found out she was at high risk of breast cancer. This isn't like preemptively striking Iran for fear they will attack us, and is nothing like having a limb removed because of the risk of arthritis. Breast cancer is often a FATAL disease. Lindsay made a choice to alter HER OWN body because of her increased risk of cancer.

People in this country need to get off their soapbox and stop telling other people what to do with their own bodies. Lindsay didn't want to live in fear so she did something about it. Good for you Lindsay. Best of luck in all you do.

What a difficult decision to make. But is it right to live in fear and have parts of your body removed over something that might happen? Cancer research has come a long way and admittingly it still has a long way to go. Perhaps supporting the research might have been another avenue. If this young lady ever did get that horrible desease perhaps there would be a cure. Although it was her decision, I cannot help but wonder if it was the right decision,

I would like to meet you and know you. You have shown courage and resolution that we all should admire.

to the people who think this is such a drastic decision you should know that it is more than a small chance that many women face. Some who have a family history such as her and the genetic predispostion they found in her blood it is 99% chance they will develop the cancer so I think this was a smart brave decision on her part and anyone who thinks differently needs to do research and understand think what you would do.

To me the idea of arbitrarily removing your breasts because you might get cancer or have a genetic pre-disposition towards cancer, yet not having any signs or symptoms of cancer, is very disquieting.

Removing your breasts to avoid the possiblity of cancer seems extreme and fear induced. It is not a solution, and it certainly is not a cure.

All the other considerations outside of health related issues..she will never be able to nurse her children, if she has any in the future. She will be self-conscious about her appearance and has to worry about what future a boyfriend/husband will think. What do you do for going to the beach or swimming? Like most of us who are far different and understand more at say 35, than we did at 23. What will she think of here decision then?

I think this is a very controversial post today, as evidenced by multiple posts of bloggers not being posted by moderator, as they are mostly negative reactions to this story. I hope the moderator forgets their own bias' and recalls the whole point of the blog is for other people's views and opinions..whether they are inline with the moderator or subject of their story.

God bless you, Lindsay. This was a brave decision and one that I hope and believe you will not regret having made. I also chose to have a bilateral mastectomy four years ago (I was 48 years old at the time), due to a strong family history of breast cancer. I do not regret my decision at all, and while there are no guarantees in life, I truly enjoy everyday knowing I have eliminated this issue in my life. May you enjoy many years of good health and happiness.

She will NOT be disfigured.... please realize that double mastectomy does not mean total lack of breasts anymore. There is no reason for feeling self conscious.
Reconstructive surgery has come a long way - she will have beautiful perky cancer free breasts!

in response to john - i hope lindsay now lives to see her children instead of dying prematurely from breast cancer.

Lindsay,
I am amazed by your strength, courage, maturity and unselfishness to now work on educating other women. Ovarian cancer runs in my family, and I'd rather live a healthy life, be careful and do what I can to prevent it, than always be worrying about a disease that's so difficult to diagnose in time. Keep up your good work, and take care.

Ok, so following this logic, if I had predisposition for testicular cancer, I should have.. Does seems a bit extreme to me

I too had a bilateral mastectomy due to a large lump which developed between screenings. While anyone can develop cancer at anytime and place, I feel that I have eliminated 1-type of cancer from my future. You can't imagine the relief felt after making such a decision. My marriage and family are much closer and stronger because of what we all went though; and now we don't "sweat" the small stuff. Congratulations to you for a very personal and thoughtful decision.

It isn't as simple as getting frequent examinations. Cancer doesn't just develop overnight. There's no guarantee that frequent exams will detect the cancer on time for treatment to be effective. Also, women with this gene have a 50% chance of developing OVARIAN cancer, which is often FATAL and RARELY detected early. "Lopping off" the breasts is not a decision that is made lightly. I encourage you to do some more research before judging.

I am a 71 year old breast cancer survivor (at least for 3 1/2 years). One of the sadder things I got to experience while I was having treatment was a younger woman who had had a double mastectomy when cancer was found in one breast and 6 or 7 years later was diagnosed with a different form of cancer. Having unnecessarily removing a healthy breast did not keep her from getting a life-threatening cancer in another part of her body. Not to say Ms. Avner will get cancer but there are no guarnatees in this life. Also, she should know that having her breasts removed does not removed the genetic predisposition to breast cancer. So the possibility/probability of passing this on to her potential children still exists and at exactly the same level.

While I honor her courage, I have mixed emotions regarding what she has done. My first child, at the age of 8 months, was diagnosed with Liver Cancer. We went through seeral months of therapies and surgeries. While we were terrified at the thought of our next children having cancer, we never thought an option would have been to have a liver transplant done for them to hopefully prevent their own diagnosis.

I am not sure her decision makes sense, but I am also not a womand facing what she has already faced.

why could you not wait until after
you had children so you could give
them a great start in life by
breastfeding them if you keep them healthy?

This may seem like a stupid question, but can she get breast implants??

It is incredibly brave of you to take such a stand for your own your body and your own future. Despite whether people think this is right or wrong, the greatest part is that women are allowed to freely make this choice about their own lives. If you don’t believe it’s the right choice for you, don’t do it. But don’t put people down for making this decision. Breasts do not make a woman and do not have to define them either. I am 23 and after watching my father die of cancer when I was young I would make the same choice as you made to protect my future family.

Good luck with your organization, Lindsay. I wish you a long and healthy life.

That's a pretty drastic measure to take to prevent cancer, but I must applaud you for it, Lindsay.

Also, to the person who asked WWJD? I'm pretty sure Jesus would do nothing, since he doesn't have breasts. Take your preaching elsewhere. I don't think this girl is trying to make herself a martyr; rather, she is trying to raise awareness and she sets a good example for young women in the same position. You should be ashamed of yourself for invoking religion for the purpose of insulting someone.

How profound your actions are on SO many levels! I am truly impressed by what You have done. I am a male and really never could understand why the world operates on such a shallow level. Males and females alike focus on how large or small a ladys breast size is. It's really discusting how people move forward or get left behind due that. I understand that your motivation was to not let breast cancer take your life. What true GUTS you have!! The world would be a better place with more people like You in it!!

This was not a wise thing to do. Some people have called this act brave. I do not believe self mutilation with no medical purpose is brave. I think this is an act full of irrational fear and twisted attention seeking. No woman among my friends would say that this "Rocks". In fact everyone I have forwarded this to says it is very disturbing. Young women should read this and listen to their natural reaction, revulsion.

“Muerto el perro se acaba la rabia.” … Mujer fantastica.
I won’t be surprised if you decide to adopt sweet kids.
May God bless you; I bet your kids will be something else too.
I already envy the man who you will love.

I am very disturbed by the hostility towards Lindsay. I doubt that if she had chosen to remove something less tied to the idea of femininity, like her appendix, that anyone would care.

As a young breast cancer patient, I completely understand her decision. Of course breasts can be reconstructed, and the only thing she won't be able to do is breast feed. That, versus the chance to reduce her extremely high risk of disease, makes her decision very rational.

And no, breast cancer CANNOT always be detected in time. Aggressive genetic cancer has a nasty habit of metastasizing (spreading) very quickly, sometimes before before a primary tumor is large enough to be detected. And even if a cancer is detected at stage I or II, there is still a 20% death rate.

And for those of you who don't know, there is still no cure for metastatic breast cancer. Those women whose cancer was resistant to current therapies will die of their disease.

Given Lindsay's genetic predisposition, she absolutely made a rational decision. I have the deepest disdain for those of you who value a woman's breasts more than her life. Shame on you all.

I'm not entirely sure how to feel about this article. Lindsey's decision was exactly that...her decision. However, removing your breasts does not mean you will never get breast cancer. And being so young, she will miss out on the wonderful bonding experience of breastfeeding her children. I pray that she never comes to regret this drastic decision made at such a young age.

I find this decision by Lindsay to be misguided. My mother's side of the family is predisposed to cancer - she had lung (later went to the brain), her father had throat, her half brother had throat, her half sister had breast, her other half brother had lung. So tell me, should I go and have my breasts removed or arbitrarily get radiation treatment as a preemptive strike?

A friend of mine died of leukemia, his father had brain tumor, his mother had breast cancer and so did his mother's sister. He knew he had a high chance of getting some type of cancer, he just didn't know what or when.

With cancer you never will know when and where it will show up. Just because Lindsay's mother, grandmother, aunts, cousins, great grandmother had breast cancer doesn't necessary mean she will have breast cancer...now that those breasts are gone she will probably get it somewhere else in her body and she can still pass it on to her children.

If there is strong history in the family, chances of getting it will be high no matter where it will show.

Living with cancer is not easy, but it doesn't mean you can't fight it with dignity...I was there with my mother ever step of the way and it wasn't easy. It was a 9 yr battle.

I know that there is a high probability that I could get cancer too given my family history, but that doesn't mean I'm going to live in fear of it.

If anything I'm appalled that the doctor even went along with this!

Was it hard to 'give up' your breasts? You are now admired by many for your courage!!!

"Isn't this move a little drastic?

Can't Lindsay get exams very frequently instead of lopping off her breasts? Please clarify, because i'm a little horrified by this peice.
Posted By Anonymous :September 25, 2007 7:24 AM ET"

Sure she could have had exams, but why wait to have cancer. So then not only would she have breast surgery, but then chemo and radiation treatment. She did something to save her life, I'm sure it was not an easy thing for her. If I had known that at the age of 34 I would have breast cancer, I would have done the same thing if given that choice, but I wasn't... I'm 4 years "cancer free", everyday I fear that it wasn't caught in time and it will appear somewhere else in my body.

((Lindsay))

Angie California

Lindsey, I am proud of you! Two years ago at age 40 I made the same decision (bilateral mastectomy) when I was diagnosed with invasive cancer in the left breast 8 months after my son was born. My mother had died 3 years earlier from breast cancer complications. My mother was determined to preserve her breasts. I took the opposite route. I had three years of clean mammograms under my belt when my nipple started bleeding. The tests just didn’t pick it up. And so began my journey. I was determined to aggressively run right at the disease instead of running from it. People were amazed by my positive attitude and willingness to learn all I could about my options. I would have given up every limb and more in order to increase the chances that I might spend even one more day with my baby boy. I will, "Be Brilliant. Be Bold. Be Bright Pink." Thank you for the inspiration!

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but I wonder if you haven't gone a bit too far. As others have noted, cancer research, especially that for breast cancern, continues to make important strides. Who knows where we could be in 20 years? Also, given your predisposition to cancern, isn't it possible you could have cancer affect other parts of the body/organs? That said, I do admire the strength and courage it takes to make such a profound decision. Good luck and stay healthy.

To the poster who said she had a 99% chance of developing breast cancer because of the gene test...It is quite obvious you made up your numbers. I have researched this topic a few months ago when a cousin of mine in the medical field brought it up to my mom (a breast cancer survivor) because she wanted to take this measure for herself in the even that my mom tested positive. After the reseach I did, and the talking to my doctor about it I came to the conclusion that it wasn't for me, even though there is a family history (also my aunt). Read the fact sheet about this gene testing at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

You will see that this test is not a 100% test on anything. Just because you have the gene, doesn't mean you will develop cancer, and just because you are free of the gene, doesn't mean that you wont get it either.

And as many people have mentioned already, who knows what science will discover in time.

I am SHOCKED that people are criticizing Lindsay for her decision. If she is BRCA 1 positive, she has something like a 40% to 50% chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime. Given what she has undoubtedly watched her family members go through, I can fully understand her decision. She has made a choice to reduce greatly the chance that she will not be around for HER children and grandchildren.

The number of people who criticize this decision on the basis that it is 'disfiguring' is appalling. Women get breast augmentation surgeries regularly, but noone in this forum seems to have any qualms with this type of 'disfigurement.' If our society has sexualized and objectified women to the point that they cannot make well-informed decisions about removing their breasts (not the same as above-mentioned testicles or uteri) without criticism and disgust, we are in need of serious introspection.