A mastectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's breast in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. The operation is both physcially and emotionally devastating for patients. Women experience a lot of pain, discomfort, loss of range of motion and have to deal with uncomfortable drains for several days. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Women need at least 2 days in the hospital to recovery properly.  

The Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill is important legislation for all women and in Congress right now. There is a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a masectomy. It is about eliminating the concept of the "drive-thru mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, with the drainage tubes still attached. I can tell you from my own experience that is it difficult enough going home directly after a lumpectomy. I can't even imagine the condition a women is in after having a full mastectomy.  

Lifetime Television has put the Breast Cancer Protection Act bill on their webpage with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on. Please sign the petition by clicking on the website listed here. [Link Removed] 

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