Fw: Advice on Implants

[Guest guest]

If anyone wants to respond to , please use her address included in her

letter, and copy us on the group...thanks!

Patty

> Dear ,

> So glad you wrote at a time I could respond ... I am currently on

sabbitical

> and am forwarding your very important message to some incredible women who

> are providing support right now.

>

> All the best ...

> Ilena

> http://www.BreastImplantAwareness.Org

>

> From : " Kemp " <kempm@...>

>

> To : <ilena@...>

> Subject : Advice on Implants

> Date : Sat, 24 Aug 2002 06:31:01 -0400

> Goodmorning Ms. Ilena,

>

> Your email address was included on a website as to possibly providing

advice

> and updated information/news postings. I'd like to please take a moment

of

> your time to ask you a couple questions.

>

> I just found out Tuesday (08/20) evening that the fluid coming from

> underneath my breast is silicone. A few months ago (over a short period

of

> time) an area about 1 inch long and the size of my little finger appeared.

> It was red (and still is). I thought it was scar tissue. Then I thought

it

> was a cyst when I noticed that my bra had a wet stain. Then Tuesday eve.

I

> pressed it a little and realized the fluid was silicone. I went on the

> internet and while I found a wealth of information, I don't know what to

do

> first.

> Four months ago, I quit my job in management for a large corporation. I

> worked excessive hours and just couldn't handle the stress anymore. I now

> work for a very small one person office with no insurance. I thought it

> would be ok. I am 42 years of age and had the implants in either 1984 or

> 85.

>

> I guess my first question is: Do I find a doctor immediately to remove

> these? Is this something I need to arrange for in the next few days? Do

I

> have time to get another job and pursue this in 2 to 4 months. I can't

find

> anything on the internet that indicates what steps to take when there is a

> visible problem. You may think these are silly questions but I really

don't

> know where to turn. I do know the doctor I used left the Savannah, GA

area

> quite some time ago. Should I contact an attorney first?

>

> In researching a website about doctors (plastic surgeons) that will do the

> removal - I was under the distinct impression that they would perform the

> operation but did not uphold the fact that they can and will cause

problems.

> They specifically said that it has not been proved. These are the same

> doctors that make the largest portion of their monies by implants. Their

> website only discussed how you might look but you would be up and around

in

> two days and no lifting for one week.

>

> My email to you has become much more lengthy than I intended. I don't

mean

> to burden you. If you are even able to direct me to a website I would be

> very very appreciative. While I have read about Dow-Corning's proposed

> settlement it appears that it is only for those that have already filed a

> claim. Can someone still receive financial support just for the removal

> cost if they have never filed a claim? Or has time limitations run out

and

> it is something for the individual to take care of on thier own?

>

> I sincerely thank you for your time and any help or advice you can

provide.