She didn't have breast cancer, but one Siouxland woman has taken extraordinary steps to beat the disease, before she even was diagnosed with it.
Amanda Schlotman from Homer, Nebraska calls herself a "previvor." Because, although she has never had breast cancer, she has gone on a journey with the disease, and come out on the other side as a survivor.
Amanda is a busy mom of three. Between kids and work there's not a lot of free time. But, one day, a TV show stopped her in her tracks.
"I saw Christina Applegate on Oprah and she was talking about the genetic test and I thought I would be a good candidate," says Amanda.
Like Christina Applegate, Amanda has a family history of breast cancer. A genetic test for the BRCA breast cancer gene would tell her just how high the odds were that she'd get it herself.
"When I got the test back, I knew right away what I was going to do – I knew that I had to have a double mastectomy."
At the age of 29, with no sign of cancer, Amanda underwent four grueling surgeries to remove her breast tissue and reconstruct her breasts.
"It was a life changing experience – it was a really tough road, really tough," she says.
But its a decision she doesn't regret... Because she made it for her children.
Her inspiration for beating breast cancer and living life as a survivor.
Amanda wants to help other woman who may be going through what she did. If you'd like to contact her, you can e–mail her at: mandi62103@yahoo.com
