I've never written to my Washington State house representatives... until last night. My plastic surgeon is sponsoring a bill that requires a medical community member to give information to women regarding their breast reconstruction options. I fully support women being informed. Amazing that this information has not yet been 'assigned' to a particular type of doctor etc.- hence it gets lost in the shuffle. My breast cancer sisters should NOT be lost in the shuffle.
Here is my letter (if you would like to support this bill the information is below the letter)
I'm writing in support of the HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction Bill. Within months of my 43rd birthday I found a large cancerous and aggressive tumor in my breast. I am thankful that my two children, age 10 and 7 burst into the bathroom as I was soaking in the tub. I quickly covered myself and my fingers felt the edge of the lump. The previous spring my mammogram had been clear.
Before my bilateral mastectomy my daughter asked if she could sit on my lap and snuggle me... She knew what my surgery entailed. What she did not know was my decision to have reconstruction wasn't an easy one. I debated my options.
I was thankful to have them (options). I am happy with my decision. I am grateful that my medical team communicated with me. I am one of the few.
Please support the HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction Bill so that all women may have the information they need to make an educated choice. Women should have more than a Google search when making a medical decision.
Sincerely,
Krista Colvin, Stage 3A Breast Cancer Survivor
.........
If you so desire to support this important bill: contact legislation by going to http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/HCW/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx.
You can address your support to the Health Care and Wellness Committee.
Details about the bill: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1101&year=2011
A simple note is all that is needed, you can add your personal story to what is listed below.
Send your e-mail to Maureen.Gallegos@leg.wa.gov. Please give her permission to share with all legislative members.
If you weren’t informed of your reconstruction options:
I’m a cancer survivor and I was not given my options. I did not have reconstruction because I didn’t know insurance would cover it. I support HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction bill!
If you were informed of your reconstruction options:
Your story and a statement that you support the HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction Bill
