Ep. 18 - Your Boobs Are Not Worth Dying For: Breast Implants & Illness - with Deborah Beaumont

Deborah Beaumont is an APRN specializing in women’s health, breast cancer, and breast implant illness. She discusses the politics surrounding breasts (and the traditional medical world in general) and teaches us more about breast implant illness. Deborah’s Story Deborah was trained in and practiced in the traditional medical world for 35 years… before experiencing an unusual complication with cancer treatment that left her paralyzed in her left leg for two-and-a-half years. During that time, Deborah grew tired of the compartmentalized nature of traditional medical care and she was drawn to the holistic approach of Integrative Medicine. Later in life, another bout with cancer and more significant complications only solidified Deborah’s passion for functional medicine. Breast Implant Illness Breast implants, as we know them now, were introduced in the 1960’s, and the first implants were made of silicone. The dangers of silicone are known. There’s always been some controversy, which led to a market push for saline implants, but women have been getting sick from implants since they were introduced. This is similar to Sick Building Syndrome, an autoimmune reaction some construction workers contract that can be linked to inhaling silicone. Saline implants have their own problems, including different fungus, algae, and biotoxins that are less likely in silicone implants… and even saline implants have a silicone casing, so there is still exposure to it. The politics of breast implants get tricky when it comes to reconstruction after amputation, as Deborah experienced. It’s no longer considered cosmetic surgery – it’s considered primary reconstruction because of amputation. Because the surgery isn’t a choice, Deborah says that the grief, sadness, and anger associated with the diagnosis gets wrapped up with the implants. It’s a delicate situation and everyone who is faced with the choice of reconstruction after cancer may feel differently, and there are new options being introduced over time, but Deborah wants to encourage women to pause and ask a simple question: is reconstruction right for me?   -- Resources: Connect with Deborah: Website | [email protected] Do you want more to empower yourself through healthy living? Is your busy lifestyle an obstacle to your health? Join The Rebel Health Coach community for the support and knowledge you need for better performance, better business and a better you! Click here to join The Rebel Health Coach community now. -- Disclaimer: The activities and research discussed in these podcasts are suggestions only and are only advised to be undertaken following prior consultation with a health or...