Re: My Breast Implant Article

[Guest guest]

I have to say, I don't get why this article was written. Other than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants(thanks, Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even the reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a bunch of hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of women who have gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies that show how silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have interviewed Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA against implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for the "new, better" teardrop implants.

Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story? Is this what "news" has come to? The unwillingness to take any view that might be deemed controversial or upsetting to corporations and other powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the reasons we're now mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out, AGAIN.

I have a hard time believing that this writer could not write a real article and get it published. Being a writer and teacher of writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well aware of what it takes to fight for truthful representation. But if writers don't tell then truth, who will?

Melinda

My Breast Implant Article

I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was severely edited to cut out the more controversial statements and issues presented.Anyway, here goes: http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

[Guest guest]

I think the person who submitted the link to us, Diva Poet, is the

author, and I think what she's saying is that her article was edited

beyond recognition. I remember having the same type of

problem recently. From what I've seen, we really don't have control

over the media. Maybe if anyone knows of a newspaper that would not

edit out all the guts of a story, then maybe this article could be

submitted somewhere else. Is it possible that the article could be

posted on our website?

I just tried to pull it up on the link and for some reason

couldn't.

Sis

>

> I have to say, I don't get why this article was written. Other

than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants(thanks,

Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even the

reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a bunch of

hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of women who have

gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies that show how

silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have interviewed

Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA against

implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for the " new,

better " teardrop implants.

>

> Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story? Is this

what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any view that

might be deemed controversial or upsetting to corporations and other

powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the reasons we're now

mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out, AGAIN.

>

> I have a hard time believing that this writer could not write a

real article and get it published. Being a writer and teacher of

writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well aware of what it

takes to fight for truthful representation. But if writers don't

tell then truth, who will?

>

> Melinda

> My Breast Implant Article

>

>

> I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was severely

edited

> to cut out the more controversial statements and issues

presented.

>

> Anyway, here goes:

http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

>

> And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

>

>

>

>

>

> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice

given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician

or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical

treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians

mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own

decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a

better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954,

Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at this link:

> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

>

>

[Guest guest]

This is the same thing that's been happening since the

outset of the implant scenerio! . . .

The media is controlled by advertisers - and they risk

everything if they publish info that is counter to

their wishes.

As I see it, the only thing we can do is to keep on

speaking out . . . especially on a one-to-one basis.

Women have been ashamed of getting implants from the

outset and even more ashamed when they get sick as a

result. We MUST tell our friends and family about the

dangers of breast implants - even if we tell it as

something that happened to others!

We live in a culture of lies and deception - all for

the sake of money! . . . This will change because we

will do it!

God bless all,

Rogene

[Guest guest]

Melinda,

You need to talk to the major newspapers and media outlets lol....

We have largely lost a truly free media.

> >

> > I have to say, I don't get why this article was written. Other

> than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants(thanks,

> Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even the

> reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a bunch of

> hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of women who have

> gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies that show how

> silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have interviewed

> Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA against

> implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for the " new,

> better " teardrop implants.

> >

> > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story? Is this

> what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any view that

> might be deemed controversial or upsetting to corporations and other

> powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the reasons we're now

> mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out, AGAIN.

> >

> > I have a hard time believing that this writer could not write a

> real article and get it published. Being a writer and teacher of

> writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well aware of what it

> takes to fight for truthful representation. But if writers don't

> tell then truth, who will?

> >

> > Melinda

> > My Breast Implant Article

> >

> >

> > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was severely

> edited

> > to cut out the more controversial statements and issues

> presented.

> >

> > Anyway, here goes:

> http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> >

> > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice

> given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician

> or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical

> treatment.

> >

> > " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians

> mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own

> decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a

> better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954,

> Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> >

> > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at this link:

> > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Melinda, You may want to re read the original message, the women

who posted it was the author and she said that her story was cut up

and the important info. was left out. This happened to as

well just recently, just wanted to make sure you knew this because I

wouldn't want her to get offended by this message.

>

> I have to say, I don't get why this article was written. Other

than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants(thanks,

Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even the

reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a bunch of

hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of women who have

gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies that show how

silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have interviewed

Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA against

implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for the " new,

better " teardrop implants.

>

> Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story? Is this

what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any view that

might be deemed controversial or upsetting to corporations and other

powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the reasons we're now

mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out, AGAIN.

>

> I have a hard time believing that this writer could not write a

real article and get it published. Being a writer and teacher of

writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well aware of what it

takes to fight for truthful representation. But if writers don't

tell then truth, who will?

>

> Melinda

> My Breast Implant Article

>

>

> I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was severely

edited

> to cut out the more controversial statements and issues

presented.

>

> Anyway, here goes:

http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

>

> And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

>

>

>

>

>

> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice

given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician

or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical

treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians

mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own

decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a

better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954,

Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at this link:

> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

>

>

[Guest guest]

Diva . . .

Is it permissible to post your article to compare with

what they published? . . . An eye opener for those who

believe everything they see in the paper!

They really did twist it around to sound almost like

an advertisement for plastic surgeons. It would be

interesting to know how much plastic surgeons spend in

advertising with the paper!

Thanks so much for your effort!

Hugs,

Rogene

--- divapoet <divapoet@...> wrote:

> I was afraid this was going to happen. My article

> was severely edited

> to cut out the more controversial statements and

> issues presented.

>

> Anyway, here goes:

> http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

>

> And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have to take issue with the view that the writer has no control over what is printed. While there is corporate control over the media, there are writers who refuse to be gagged. There are many examples of truthful reportage,even if the writing is provocative and controversial. To write otherwise is, to me, irresponsible. This article not only does nothing to expose the danger of implants, it promotes them. 's letter to the editor is in a different category. Letters to the editor are printed as a favor to the public and subject to the editing whims of a particular editor. Journalists have a responsibility to stand up for the truth, or step down. Judith is a great example of a journalist gone bad due to her shameless canoodling with the higher ups.

We writers may choose with whom we publish our work. Fortunately there are still media outlets that refuse to be bought out by corporations. Some people risk their jobs and even their lives to bring us the truth (for example, unembedded reporters in Iraq, or Joe , whose wife Plame was outed from the CIA when he exposed the Bush administration's bogus claim about uranium in Niger). Americans as a whole have to stop wringing their hands and deciding that the media is corrupt and there's nothing they can do.

Published work should ALWAYS be open to criticism. I have nothing against the writer of this breast implant article. I am taking issue with her work. A quote from the article:"A round implant is pretty tolerant of how you put it in." No mention of the thousands of women who are NOT tolerant of these same round implants!The breast implant debacle would not be half as devastating if more people were willing to be honest and stand up to corporate interests. Many of us were lied to, told that implants were safe, even after we were terribly ill.

I may be coming off rather strong on this issue of truthful representation. As you might have gathered, it is one close to my heart. I don't mean to be unkind to the writer of the article. I'm only suggesting that she and all journalists write something of real value to women instead.

Melinda

My Breast Implant Article> > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was severely edited > to cut out the more controversial statements and issues presented.> > Anyway, here goes: http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229> > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.> > > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical treatment. > > "Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world." - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)> > See our photos website! Enter "implants" for access at this link:> http://.shutterfly.com/action/> >

[Guest guest]

I take it you haven't ever worked in a full-time media job.

I don't take your comments as an insult to me personally, but it does

not take into account the myriad issues that inform what ends up in

print, particularly if you are referencing a mainstream, corporately

controlled media outlet. Once a writer sends copy of a story to an

editor, it is essentially, at that point, out of the writer's

purview. The writer no longer controls what goes into print, how the

piece is edited or otherwise modified for the purposes of public

representation and dissemination.

I once worked for the publication in question as a full-time

writer/editor. Taking into account the intended audience/bent of the

publication, as well as the considerable word restrictions, I sought

to write a story that would inform readers enough to entice them - or

incite them - to investigate the issue further. I knew that this

would not be an enterprise expose; that is not what this particular

publication does. But in serving a youth-centered (18-40s)

demographic, for whom aesthetics are of prime concern, many of whom

have discretionary income that they might spend on such pursuits, I

wanted to expose some kernel of knowledge/information that is not

readily digested.

The original article follows, with a sidebar:

---------------Boom … or Bust

By K. le

Many women are warming up to the idea of tossing out their push-up

and padded bras, silicone bra inserts and herbal breast growth

supplements.

Shows like Dr. 90210, Plastic Surgery: Before & After, The Swan and

Extreme Makeover, which show everyday people undergoing dramatic

transformations, might have given women an extra nudge to go under

the knife.

" Some of those shows tend to give patients and people in general

false expectations of what can be accomplished, " says cosmetic

surgeon Dr. G. Nein, who's been in private practice since

1995. " I think [those shows] do a disservice in that regard. But one

thing they do is make people more aware of options available to them. "

Though the pressure to co-opt the beauty ideals seen in glossy ads

and on billboards can be intense, many women who choose to undergo

breast augmentation have considered it for a long time for very

personal reasons.

" [They've usually thought about it] from six months to two years, "

Nein says. " It's not something that they just thought about on

Monday. A significant portion of our patients are women who've

breastfed and lost volume. Others are women who haven't had any

children yet and have always been small-breasted. "

Most patients aren't aspiring to have the spherical, exaggerated

breasts of the likes of Pamela or Traci Bingham,

either. " The majority of women that come to our office want to look

as natural as possible. They don't want to look like they've had

implants at all, " Nein explains.

Most breast implant patients come in wearing an A- or B-cup size and

want to go up to a C- or D-cup, says Nein. Though tear-drop shaped

anatomical implants have increased in popularity for the natural

appearance they offer, many plastic surgeons still prefer using

traditional round-shaped implants. " Not all surgeons are

uncomfortable putting anatomical implants, " Nein says. " It takes a

little bit more finesse than just a round implant. A round implant is

pretty tolerant of how you put it in. "

Just as there are women who get breast implants without second-

guessing themselves or ever looking back, there are other women

wanted them but instead decided to accept their natural selves.

Kenda Skaggs spent hours laboriously researching the breast implants

and went on consultations, but ultimately decide not to get them. " I

thought about it for years, " she says. " When I was younger I had nice

breasts, and they were a decent size. But after nursing, I called

them half-breasts, as in half of my breasts were missing. "

As the 45-year-old Skaggs continued researching, her drive to get

them came to a sudden halt when she found Saline Support, an online

message board dedicated to providing support to women who've

encountered problems with breast implants. " What I had been led to

believe from the plastic surgeons was that these women [who had

complications or believed they had illnesses from breast implants]

were crazy, " she says. " I value my health too much. "

Faussett, of , Nevada, launched the Saline Support

Group after having a bad experience with the implants she got

in 1997.

" I had struggled with my image and my breast size, and when they got

saggy from the breastfeeding, I was distraught. After the fourth kid,

I decided I was going to do it for myself, " she says.

After waitressing for a year and saving all of her tip money,

Faussett underwent the procedure in May 1997. She was elated with the

results – at first.

" It was like a dream come true, but I had them only about eight

months when I started getting mysteriously ill. I remember the day it

struck me like a ton of bricks. I was coming home from lunch and just

felt like I wanted to die. I had a brain fog that made me dizzy and

just felt really tired. Before that, I had been the epitome of

health, " Faussett says. " [before implants], I was like the Energizer

Bunny. I could just go and go. I stayed up until 2 a.m. knitting and

doing hobbies. Before implants, I had a very strong immune system and

rarely got sick. "

After dealing with fatigue, swollen glands and unexplained muscle

twitching, Faussett had her implants removed several months later.

She turned to naturopathic medicine to cleanse her body and restore

her health. She counts 2,000 women who've endured similar experiences

as members of her Web site and, as a result, has become a very

passionate advocate of self-acceptance.

" Before implants, I was kind of shallow. I looked at the Hollywood

standard of beauty, and now I can compassionately look at other

people who are sick or struggling in some way, and see the true

beauty in them, " Faussett says.

Dr. Nein says patients should be fully informed about all of the

potential risks and long-term complications of breast augmentation –

and any surgical procedure.

" Our objective is to try to satisfy the patients' both

psychologically and physically. Our patients have an idea of what

they want to accomplish and we try to do that. They need to have a

full understanding of the implications and choices of their actions, "

he says.

Some days Skaggs still struggles with accepting her modest chest, but

a vision of a different future gives her optimism. " There's going to

be a point when flat-chested women come back in style, " she says.

Break-Out Box

If you're considering breast augmentation …

Keep in mind that this is a serious procedure. " Every surgical

procedure, from a hernia repair to a cardiac bypass, is serious –

though with breast augmentation the risks are few and far between, "

says Dr. Nein. " Patients normally do quite well. "

Research the procedure thoroughly and mentally prepare yourself for

any possible complications for undergoing an elective surgery. " We're

in the business of making people better, not worse, than what they

were, " Nein says. " Cosmetic surgery is something you do not have to

have. "

Go on several consultations. You might find that some surgeons are

more willing to share information than others, that costs vary, that

they have different aesthetic values and more. Also, make sure the

surgeon is certified by an organization like the American Society of

Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Know how much to expect to pay. The cost for cosmetic procedures

varies, largely depending on the area of the country. According to

Dr. Nein, the cost for augmentation in Nashville " is in the

neighborhood of $5,000, " including anesthesia and hospital fees.

Know how to pay for it. Many women save up for breast augmentation

and pay for it with cash up-front. Others opt for financing it,

through a credit union, bank, credit cards and institutions that

specialize in plastic surgery financing.

Find out what you're paying for. Get an itemized list of expenses

from the plastic surgeon, and find out if medications, hospital fees,

anesthesia, post-surgery garments and other costs are figured into

the amount.

Do you own research. Don't rely exclusively on a plastic surgeon to

answer all of your questions. Examine medical journals for studies on

implants and implant components, including the silicone shells of

saline implants. Peruse message boards to talk to real women who have

undergone the procedure. Ask to speak to former patients if you have

a specific surgeon in mind.

>

> I have to take issue with the view that the writer has no control

over what is printed. While there is corporate control over the

media, there are writers who refuse to be gagged. There are many

examples of truthful reportage,even if the writing is provocative and

controversial. To write otherwise is, to me, irresponsible. This

article not only does nothing to expose the danger of implants, it

promotes them. 's letter to the editor is in a different

category. Letters to the editor are printed as a favor to the public

and subject to the editing whims of a particular editor. Journalists

have a responsibility to stand up for the truth, or step down. Judith

is a great example of a journalist gone bad due to her

shameless canoodling with the higher ups.

>

> We writers may choose with whom we publish our work. Fortunately

there are still media outlets that refuse to be bought out by

corporations. Some people risk their jobs and even their lives to

bring us the truth (for example, unembedded reporters in Iraq, or Joe

, whose wife Plame was outed from the CIA when he

exposed the Bush administration's bogus claim about uranium in

Niger). Americans as a whole have to stop wringing their hands and

deciding that the media is corrupt and there's nothing they can do.

>

> Published work should ALWAYS be open to criticism. I have nothing

against the writer of this breast implant article. I am taking issue

with her work. A quote from the article: " A round implant is pretty

tolerant of how you put it in. " No mention of the thousands of women

who are NOT tolerant of these same round implants!The breast implant

debacle would not be half as devastating if more people were willing

to be honest and stand up to corporate interests. Many of us were

lied to, told that implants were safe, even after we were terribly

ill.

>

> I may be coming off rather strong on this issue of truthful

representation. As you might have gathered, it is one close to my

heart. I don't mean to be unkind to the writer of the article. I'm

only suggesting that she and all journalists write something of real

value to women instead.

> Melinda

> My Breast Implant Article

> >

> >

> > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was

severely

> edited

> > to cut out the more controversial statements and issues

> presented.

> >

> > Anyway, here goes:

> http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> >

> > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice

> given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your

physician

> or licensed health care professional before commencing any

medical

> treatment.

> >

> > " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians

> mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own

> decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a

> better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner

(1954,

> Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> >

> > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at this

link:

> > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Divapoet,

No, I have never worked in a full-time media job, but I have several immediate family members who do. One is a senior editor of a nationally distributed magazine.

I'll admit that the original draft of the article is more in-depth, especially in reference to the very real possibility of illness from implants. Obviously you know how important this information is,given that you've subscribed to the support group and interviewed women about their related health problems.

I still disagree that you have done women readers any favor with the article as it stands in print. Implants have devastated so many women's lives. To pass off responsibility to an editor is your choice, as is the kinds of publications you choose to write for and what you write about.

My Breast Implant Article> > > > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was severely > edited > > to cut out the more controversial statements and issues > presented.> > > > Anyway, here goes: > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?> > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229> > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.> > > > > > > > > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician > or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical > treatment. > > > > "Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a > better world." - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)> > > > See our photos website! Enter "implants" for access at this link:> > http://.shutterfly.com/action/> > > >

[Guest guest]

I was surprised and really disappointed as well. I referenced all of the

sick women and their symptoms on Saline Support in my decision not to be

implanted. None of that was mentioned, just the fact that I chose not to be

implanted.

Kenda

> I have to say, I don't get why this article was written. Other than the

> reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants(thanks, Kenda), it has

> absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even the reference to Saline Support

> implies that it's just a bunch of hysterical women. No mention of the

> thousands of women who have gotten sick from implants, or the many, many

> studies that show how silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have

> interviewed Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA against

> implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for the " new, better "

> teardrop implants.

>

> Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story? Is this what " news " has

> come to? The unwillingness to take any view that might be deemed controversial

> or upsetting to corporations and other powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's

> one of the reasons we're now mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

> AGAIN.

>

> I have a hard time believing that this writer could not write a real article

> and get it published. Being a writer and teacher of writing myself, from a

> family of writers, I'm well aware of what it takes to fight for truthful

> representation. But if writers don't tell then truth, who will?

>

> Melinda

> My Breast Implant Article

>

>

> I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was severely edited

> to cut out the more controversial statements and issues presented.

>

> Anyway, here goes: http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

>

> And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

>

>

>

>

>

> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by

> licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health

> care professional before commencing any medical treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you.

> Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a

> happy life and how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time

> Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at this link:

> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kenda,

I want to personally thank you for your efforts to write this

article. I don't think this is the appropriate venue to criticize

it in any way, as I think every effort to tell our side of the

story, or to help cast implants in their true light, is worthy of

applause. It is unfortunate that the editor chose to cut out so

much. However, it is a rare event that implants are ever totally

mentioned in a negative light in the media, and so we have to be

thankful for the moments we do get to speak out and be heard. Just

the fact that you were able to get this published, and mention our

support group is one more notch for us in our effort to bring our

side to light. Let's remain optimistic about the outcome of this!

I think it has significant value just in the fact that it

highlighted Kenda's experience of deciding against implants after

doing her research. Maybe more women will take note and start doing

their research as well. I was ecstatic to see our support group

mentioned!

I don't really want our group to bicker about journalistic

protocols. Thank you for sharing the real article you wrote in its

entirety. If we do get more visitors to this site because of what

was printed, they will have the opportunity to see the whole thing

anyway, and learn more about the downside of breast immplants. Thank

you!

Even though the whole thing didn't get printed and was greatly

edited, I think we should recognize that regardless of what

journalistic protocols are followed or not followed, or what

personal opinions we may have in the way of criticism, we are to be

thankful for what does get said that will ultimately help us to help

others.

Thanks again Kenda! God bless!

Patty

> > >

> > > I have to say, I don't get why this article was written.

Other

> > than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants

(thanks,

> > Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even the

> > reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a bunch

of

> > hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of women who

have

> > gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies that

show

> how

> > silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have

> interviewed

> > Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA

against

> > implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for

the " new,

> > better " teardrop implants.

> > >

> > > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story? Is

this

> > what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any view

that

> > might be deemed controversial or upsetting to corporations

and

> other

> > powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the reasons

we're

> now

> > mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out, AGAIN.

> > >

> > > I have a hard time believing that this writer could not

write a

> > real article and get it published. Being a writer and

teacher of

> > writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well aware of

what

> it

> > takes to fight for truthful representation. But if writers

don't

> > tell then truth, who will?

> > >

> > > Melinda

> > > My Breast Implant Article

> > >

> > >

> > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was

> severely

> > edited

> > > to cut out the more controversial statements and issues

> > presented.

> > >

> > > Anyway, here goes:

> > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> > >

> > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of

advice

> > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your

> physician

> > or licensed health care professional before commencing any

> medical

> > treatment.

> > >

> > > " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

politicians

> > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own

> > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for

a

> > better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner

> (1954,

> > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> > >

> > > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at

this

> link:

> > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Patty,

Kenda did not write the article. I did. I interviewed Kenda for the

article.

I came to this site as I was investigating getting implants myself. I

found it to be a shocking repository of information and quite

insightful. It was the only thing that made me cancel the appointment

I had scheduled to undergo the procedure.

However, as a journalist, in light of the icy reception offered in an

earnest attempt to present aa balanced story possible in the venue,

being fully aware of the limitations imposed in such a mainstream

publication (considering advertising, audience, space limitations,

etc.), definitely brings me to pause. The responses do come off as

cantankerous and defensive, and if I were an uninformed journalist

who had not been exposed to these implant issues and experiences, I,

too, would turn a deaf ear.

Perhaps this is something women who have been " done wrong " by

implants should consider, who want to get the word out. You attract

more bees with honey than with vinegar. And no one wants to listen to

a whiner, especially when they're trying to be of assistance.

..

> > > >

> > > > I have to say, I don't get why this article was written.

> Other

> > > than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants

> (thanks,

> > > Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even the

> > > reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a bunch

> of

> > > hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of women who

> have

> > > gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies that

> show

> > how

> > > silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have

> > interviewed

> > > Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA

> against

> > > implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for

> the " new,

> > > better " teardrop implants.

> > > >

> > > > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story? Is

> this

> > > what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any view

> that

> > > might be deemed controversial or upsetting to corporations

> and

> > other

> > > powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the reasons

> we're

> > now

> > > mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out, AGAIN.

> > > >

> > > > I have a hard time believing that this writer could not

> write a

> > > real article and get it published. Being a writer and

> teacher of

> > > writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well aware of

> what

> > it

> > > takes to fight for truthful representation. But if writers

> don't

> > > tell then truth, who will?

> > > >

> > > > Melinda

> > > > My Breast Implant Article

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article was

> > severely

> > > edited

> > > > to cut out the more controversial statements and issues

> > > presented.

> > > >

> > > > Anyway, here goes:

> > > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> > > >

> > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of

> advice

> > > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your

> > physician

> > > or licensed health care professional before commencing any

> > medical

> > > treatment.

> > > >

> > > > " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

> politicians

> > > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own

> > > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work

for

> a

> > > better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner

> > (1954,

> > > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> > > >

> > > > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at

> this

> > link:

> > > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

OOps!

I knew that! Sorry! I guess I got my names mixed up.

I agree that we need to show appreciation to those, like you, who

are making an effort to help in whatever way they can given the

limitations presented in our culture. It is never easy swimming

upstream, and we must always remember that staying positive and

upbeat is going to get alot farther than being angry and hostile

when trying to be heard. A confrontational stance is not the best

way to gain sympathy in an unpopular cause.

However, I also understand that many of our women are extremely hurt

and angry over the deception, pain, and heartache they have had to

endure when they are sick from implants, and it takes some time to

get over it. It's hard to understand how a world can be so cold and

uncaring when we suffer so. This should rightfully be an extremely

alarming event in the media, which it started out to be back when

Connie Chung aired her news program in 1992. Unfortunately, alot of

money was thrown into public relations and so here we are in this

muddled mess. I think we need to make an effort to understand the

depth of their pain and make allowances for an expression of anger

that has yet to run its course. Hopefully in time, we all heal from

this, physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally. It takes alot

of time.

Patty

> > > > >

> > > > > I have to say, I don't get why this article was

written.

> > Other

> > > > than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have implants

> > (thanks,

> > > > Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever. Even

the

> > > > reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a

bunch

> > of

> > > > hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of women

who

> > have

> > > > gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies

that

> > show

> > > how

> > > > silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could have

> > > interviewed

> > > > Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the FDA

> > against

> > > > implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement for

> > the " new,

> > > > better " teardrop implants.

> > > > >

> > > > > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story?

Is

> > this

> > > > what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any

view

> > that

> > > > might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

corporations

> > and

> > > other

> > > > powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

reasons

> > we're

> > > now

> > > > mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out, AGAIN.

> > > > >

> > > > > I have a hard time believing that this writer could

not

> > write a

> > > > real article and get it published. Being a writer and

> > teacher of

> > > > writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well aware

of

> > what

> > > it

> > > > takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

writers

> > don't

> > > > tell then truth, who will?

> > > > >

> > > > > Melinda

> > > > > My Breast Implant Article

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article

was

> > > severely

> > > > edited

> > > > > to cut out the more controversial statements and

issues

> > > > presented.

> > > > >

> > > > > Anyway, here goes:

> > > > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > > > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> > > > >

> > > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place

of

> > advice

> > > > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult

your

> > > physician

> > > > or licensed health care professional before commencing

any

> > > medical

> > > > treatment.

> > > > >

> > > > > " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

> > politicians

> > > > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your

own

> > > > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work

> for

> > a

> > > > better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize

Winner

> > > (1954,

> > > > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> > > > >

> > > > > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access

at

> > this

> > > link:

> > > > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> > > > >

> > > > >

[Guest guest]

I definitely appreciate your position. And I respect it.

I don't think emotionalism will advance this cause. Of course, it is

an emotion-laden issue. We are talking about women's bodies and

health here, our most priceless assets, that have both quantitative

and qualitative value in the context of our lives.

I think a better understanding of how the media operates would do

much to get this issue more exposure on the airwaves and more column

inches in print. People who are interviewed need to understand that

ALL of their quotes will not customarily be used. A story is not a

transcript of an interview. A story is a narrative that has been -

or can be - structured in a way to best communicate with the

intended audience and is always vulnerable to the whims of an editor

or management.

As a journalist, this is probably an issue I wouldn't even bother

touching anymore. Honestly. The women who have been wronged by

implants will likely never feel any sense of justice or redemption,

no matter how well-intended a prospective ally might be. The

acrimonious response is quite telling. And is perhaps typical of the

response of many women who have had their health and bodies ravaged

by implants.

A balanced, constructive and productive dialogue with the public,

including the media, will be of much greater benefit to this cause

than hypersensitive, knee-jerk responses that expose an ignorance of

The Fourth Estate.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I have to say, I don't get why this article was

> written.

> > > Other

> > > > > than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have

implants

> > > (thanks,

> > > > > Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever.

Even

> the

> > > > > reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a

> bunch

> > > of

> > > > > hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of

women

> who

> > > have

> > > > > gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies

> that

> > > show

> > > > how

> > > > > silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could

have

> > > > interviewed

> > > > > Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the

FDA

> > > against

> > > > > implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement

for

> > > the " new,

> > > > > better " teardrop implants.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story?

> Is

> > > this

> > > > > what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any

> view

> > > that

> > > > > might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

> corporations

> > > and

> > > > other

> > > > > powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

> reasons

> > > we're

> > > > now

> > > > > mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

AGAIN.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I have a hard time believing that this writer could

> not

> > > write a

> > > > > real article and get it published. Being a writer and

> > > teacher of

> > > > > writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well

aware

> of

> > > what

> > > > it

> > > > > takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

> writers

> > > don't

> > > > > tell then truth, who will?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Melinda

> > > > > > My Breast Implant Article

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article

> was

> > > > severely

> > > > > edited

> > > > > > to cut out the more controversial statements and

> issues

> > > > > presented.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Anyway, here goes:

> > > > > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > > > > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> > > > > >

> > > > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place

> of

> > > advice

> > > > > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult

> your

> > > > physician

> > > > > or licensed health care professional before commencing

> any

> > > > medical

> > > > > treatment.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

> > > politicians

> > > > > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make

your

> own

> > > > > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to

work

> > for

> > > a

> > > > > better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize

> Winner

> > > > (1954,

> > > > > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for

access

> at

> > > this

> > > > link:

> > > > > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

The key here is that no one has a magic wand and can change the damage that

has been done to women who have been implanted. Certainly one article by

one journalist can help spread the word but it won't and can't make a major

change -- unless that journalist is a network anchor. It will take many

women standing up and telling their stories, rationally, to be heard. I

think doctors and the press, even the public, for that matter, turn a deaf

hear when they hear hysterical women. It seems to invalidate the woman's

position. It is unfortunate that the article was clipped and didn't end up

as it was intended but who can say they are surprised? It is a hot subject

and a huge seller for both plastic surgeons and the manufacturers. Blaming

the journalist doesn't serve any purpose whatsoever.

Kenda

> I definitely appreciate your position. And I respect it.

>

> I don't think emotionalism will advance this cause. Of course, it is

> an emotion-laden issue. We are talking about women's bodies and

> health here, our most priceless assets, that have both quantitative

> and qualitative value in the context of our lives.

>

> I think a better understanding of how the media operates would do

> much to get this issue more exposure on the airwaves and more column

> inches in print. People who are interviewed need to understand that

> ALL of their quotes will not customarily be used. A story is not a

> transcript of an interview. A story is a narrative that has been -

> or can be - structured in a way to best communicate with the

> intended audience and is always vulnerable to the whims of an editor

> or management.

>

> As a journalist, this is probably an issue I wouldn't even bother

> touching anymore. Honestly. The women who have been wronged by

> implants will likely never feel any sense of justice or redemption,

> no matter how well-intended a prospective ally might be. The

> acrimonious response is quite telling. And is perhaps typical of the

> response of many women who have had their health and bodies ravaged

> by implants.

>

> A balanced, constructive and productive dialogue with the public,

> including the media, will be of much greater benefit to this cause

> than hypersensitive, knee-jerk responses that expose an ignorance of

> The Fourth Estate.

>

>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> I have to say, I don't get why this article was

>> written.

>>>> Other

>>>>>> than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have

> implants

>>>> (thanks,

>>>>>> Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever.

> Even

>> the

>>>>>> reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a

>> bunch

>>>> of

>>>>>> hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of

> women

>> who

>>>> have

>>>>>> gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies

>> that

>>>> show

>>>>> how

>>>>>> silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could

> have

>>>>> interviewed

>>>>>> Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the

> FDA

>>>> against

>>>>>> implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement

> for

>>>> the " new,

>>>>>> better " teardrop implants.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story?

>> Is

>>>> this

>>>>>> what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any

>> view

>>>> that

>>>>>> might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

>> corporations

>>>> and

>>>>> other

>>>>>> powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

>> reasons

>>>> we're

>>>>> now

>>>>>> mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

> AGAIN.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> I have a hard time believing that this writer could

>> not

>>>> write a

>>>>>> real article and get it published. Being a writer and

>>>> teacher of

>>>>>> writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well

> aware

>> of

>>>> what

>>>>> it

>>>>>> takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

>> writers

>>>> don't

>>>>>> tell then truth, who will?

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> Melinda

>>>>>>> My Breast Implant Article

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> I was afraid this was going to happen. My article

>> was

>>>>> severely

>>>>>> edited

>>>>>>> to cut out the more controversial statements and

>> issues

>>>>>> presented.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> Anyway, here goes:

>>>>>> http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

>>>>>>> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place

>> of

>>>> advice

>>>>>> given by licensed health care professionals. Consult

>> your

>>>>> physician

>>>>>> or licensed health care professional before commencing

>> any

>>>>> medical

>>>>>> treatment.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

>>>> politicians

>>>>>> mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make

> your

>> own

>>>>>> decisions about how to live a happy life and how to

> work

>>> for

>>>> a

>>>>>> better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize

>> Winner

>>>>> (1954,

>>>>>> Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for

> access

>> at

>>>> this

>>>>> link:

>>>>>>> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

Hysterical people in general, whatever cause they are championing or

rallying against, don't tend to get positive press. Consider

Dean's outburst when he was campaigning for the presidency? That one

showing of excited emotion killed his image but was a coup for the

media, which had a field day playing it over and over again, casting

Mr. Dean in the light as a raving lunatic.

Women who have experienced issues with implants not only need to

organize into a rational (glad you used that word) voice, but they

also need to understand the power of the pen and of the mic. You say

that only a news anchor can make a substantial difference? I truly

beg to differ. People tend to underestimate the reach of reporters

who aren't household names. The outlet must be considered. For

example, the publication in which my story ran is owned by Gannett,

which owns many newspapers across the country. Therefore, it could

be picked up and run in any one of them at any given moment.

I agree that blaming the reporter, be it me or anyone else, will get

this movement nowhere.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> I have to say, I don't get why this article was

> >> written.

> >>>> Other

> >>>>>> than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have

> > implants

> >>>> (thanks,

> >>>>>> Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever.

> > Even

> >> the

> >>>>>> reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a

> >> bunch

> >>>> of

> >>>>>> hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of

> > women

> >> who

> >>>> have

> >>>>>> gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies

> >> that

> >>>> show

> >>>>> how

> >>>>>> silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could

> > have

> >>>>> interviewed

> >>>>>> Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the

> > FDA

> >>>> against

> >>>>>> implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement

> > for

> >>>> the " new,

> >>>>>> better " teardrop implants.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story?

> >> Is

> >>>> this

> >>>>>> what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any

> >> view

> >>>> that

> >>>>>> might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

> >> corporations

> >>>> and

> >>>>> other

> >>>>>> powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

> >> reasons

> >>>> we're

> >>>>> now

> >>>>>> mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

> > AGAIN.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> I have a hard time believing that this writer could

> >> not

> >>>> write a

> >>>>>> real article and get it published. Being a writer and

> >>>> teacher of

> >>>>>> writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well

> > aware

> >> of

> >>>> what

> >>>>> it

> >>>>>> takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

> >> writers

> >>>> don't

> >>>>>> tell then truth, who will?

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> Melinda

> >>>>>>> My Breast Implant Article

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> I was afraid this was going to happen. My article

> >> was

> >>>>> severely

> >>>>>> edited

> >>>>>>> to cut out the more controversial statements and

> >> issues

> >>>>>> presented.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> Anyway, here goes:

> >>>>>> http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> >>>>>>> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place

> >> of

> >>>> advice

> >>>>>> given by licensed health care professionals. Consult

> >> your

> >>>>> physician

> >>>>>> or licensed health care professional before commencing

> >> any

> >>>>> medical

> >>>>>> treatment.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

> >>>> politicians

> >>>>>> mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make

> > your

> >> own

> >>>>>> decisions about how to live a happy life and how to

> > work

> >>> for

> >>>> a

> >>>>>> better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize

> >> Winner

> >>>>> (1954,

> >>>>>> Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for

> > access

> >> at

> >>>> this

> >>>>> link:

> >>>>>>> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

You may have misunderstood what I meant when I wrote that a news anchor can

make a substantial difference. What I meant is that one single news anchor,

like Connie Chung years ago, can make a huge difference immediately. A

single person, such as yourself writing an article, likely won't. It will

take many women and articles to get things changed.

Kenda

> Hysterical people in general, whatever cause they are championing or

> rallying against, don't tend to get positive press. Consider

> Dean's outburst when he was campaigning for the presidency? That one

> showing of excited emotion killed his image but was a coup for the

> media, which had a field day playing it over and over again, casting

> Mr. Dean in the light as a raving lunatic.

>

> Women who have experienced issues with implants not only need to

> organize into a rational (glad you used that word) voice, but they

> also need to understand the power of the pen and of the mic. You say

> that only a news anchor can make a substantial difference? I truly

> beg to differ. People tend to underestimate the reach of reporters

> who aren't household names. The outlet must be considered. For

> example, the publication in which my story ran is owned by Gannett,

> which owns many newspapers across the country. Therefore, it could

> be picked up and run in any one of them at any given moment.

>

> I agree that blaming the reporter, be it me or anyone else, will get

> this movement nowhere.

>

>

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> I have to say, I don't get why this article was

>>>> written.

>>>>>> Other

>>>>>>>> than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have

>>> implants

>>>>>> (thanks,

>>>>>>>> Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever.

>>> Even

>>>> the

>>>>>>>> reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a

>>>> bunch

>>>>>> of

>>>>>>>> hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of

>>> women

>>>> who

>>>>>> have

>>>>>>>> gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies

>>>> that

>>>>>> show

>>>>>>> how

>>>>>>>> silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could

>>> have

>>>>>>> interviewed

>>>>>>>> Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the

>>> FDA

>>>>>> against

>>>>>>>> implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement

>>> for

>>>>>> the " new,

>>>>>>>> better " teardrop implants.

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story?

>>>> Is

>>>>>> this

>>>>>>>> what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any

>>>> view

>>>>>> that

>>>>>>>> might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

>>>> corporations

>>>>>> and

>>>>>>> other

>>>>>>>> powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

>>>> reasons

>>>>>> we're

>>>>>>> now

>>>>>>>> mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

>>> AGAIN.

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> I have a hard time believing that this writer could

>>>> not

>>>>>> write a

>>>>>>>> real article and get it published. Being a writer and

>>>>>> teacher of

>>>>>>>> writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well

>>> aware

>>>> of

>>>>>> what

>>>>>>> it

>>>>>>>> takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

>>>> writers

>>>>>> don't

>>>>>>>> tell then truth, who will?

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> Melinda

>>>>>>>>> My Breast Implant Article

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> I was afraid this was going to happen. My article

>>>> was

>>>>>>> severely

>>>>>>>> edited

>>>>>>>>> to cut out the more controversial statements and

>>>> issues

>>>>>>>> presented.

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> Anyway, here goes:

>>>>>>>> http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

>>>>>>>>> AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place

>>>> of

>>>>>> advice

>>>>>>>> given by licensed health care professionals. Consult

>>>> your

>>>>>>> physician

>>>>>>>> or licensed health care professional before commencing

>>>> any

>>>>>>> medical

>>>>>>>> treatment.

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

>>>>>> politicians

>>>>>>>> mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make

>>> your

>>>> own

>>>>>>>> decisions about how to live a happy life and how to

>>> work

>>>>> for

>>>>>> a

>>>>>>>> better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize

>>>> Winner

>>>>>>> (1954,

>>>>>>>> Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for

>>> access

>>>> at

>>>>>> this

>>>>>>> link:

>>>>>>>>> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

I'm not quite sure why a person who critiques of a fluff piece on breast implants is automatically assumed to be "hysterical," "acrimonious," "hypersensitive," "knee-jerk," or "ignorant of the

Fourth Estate." I think I understand enough about print journalism to have something to say about it. Before choosing to pursue fiction, I wrote extensively for Salon.com, The Nation, In These Times, Ms.and The Progressive, among others. I have been a working member of FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting) since its conception. My views about the corporate-controlled mass media and the people who sell out to it have been constant for years, long before I ever considered breast implants.

Obviously our views about the ethics of journalism are at odds, but I find it sad that a discussion about truthful represention cannot occur without devolving into a personal attack.

My Breast Implant Article> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article > was > > > > severely > > > > > edited > > > > > > to cut out the more controversial statements and > issues > > > > > presented.> > > > > > > > > > > > Anyway, here goes: > > > > > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?> > > > > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229> > > > > > > > > > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place > of > > > advice > > > > > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult > your > > > > physician > > > > > or licensed health care professional before commencing > any > > > > medical > > > > > treatment. > > > > > > > > > > > > "Do not let either the medical authorities or the > > > politicians > > > > > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your > own > > > > > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work > > for > > > a > > > > > better world." - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize > Winner > > > > (1954, > > > > > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)> > > > > > > > > > > > See our photos website! Enter "implants" for access > at > > > this > > > > link:> > > > > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/> > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

I wasn't going to say anything, but....

My take on Patty's comment was that she didn't want an argument about journalism

on the

forum. That seems reasonable to me.

Many of us have had very bad experiences trying to get doctors to listen to us,

or not label

us crazy for believing implants are making us sick. For me, it is particularly

perilous

because my ability to practice my profession depends on my doctor's willingness

to say I

am healthy. This affects my livelihood, far beyond my detoxing or ability to

regain energy

and deal with joint pain, etc etc.

These forums - and I say most of these forums, not just this one - are valuable

to women

needing support and encouragement. I don't see that bickering helps anyone.

If we want to be taken seriously, internal divisiveness will not help our case.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have to say, I don't get why this article was

> > written.

> > > > Other

> > > > > > than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have

> implants

> > > > (thanks,

> > > > > > Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever.

> Even

> > the

> > > > > > reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a

> > bunch

> > > > of

> > > > > > hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of

> women

> > who

> > > > have

> > > > > > gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies

> > that

> > > > show

> > > > > how

> > > > > > silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could

> have

> > > > > interviewed

> > > > > > Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the

> FDA

> > > > against

> > > > > > implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement

> for

> > > > the " new,

> > > > > > better " teardrop implants.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a story?

> > Is

> > > > this

> > > > > > what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take any

> > view

> > > > that

> > > > > > might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

> > corporations

> > > > and

> > > > > other

> > > > > > powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

> > reasons

> > > > we're

> > > > > now

> > > > > > mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

> AGAIN.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have a hard time believing that this writer could

> > not

> > > > write a

> > > > > > real article and get it published. Being a writer and

> > > > teacher of

> > > > > > writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well

> aware

> > of

> > > > what

> > > > > it

> > > > > > takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

> > writers

> > > > don't

> > > > > > tell then truth, who will?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Melinda

> > > > > > > My Breast Implant Article

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My article

> > was

> > > > > severely

> > > > > > edited

> > > > > > > to cut out the more controversial statements and

> > issues

> > > > > > presented.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Anyway, here goes:

> > > > > > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > > > > > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place

> > of

> > > > advice

> > > > > > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult

> > your

> > > > > physician

> > > > > > or licensed health care professional before commencing

> > any

> > > > > medical

> > > > > > treatment.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > " Do not let either the medical authorities or the

> > > > politicians

> > > > > > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make

> your

> > own

> > > > > > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to

> work

> > > for

> > > > a

> > > > > > better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize

> > Winner

> > > > > (1954,

> > > > > > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for

> access

> > at

> > > > this

> > > > > link:

> > > > > > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Let's stop this now. Please. If you have more to add to this

discussion, I am going to request that you take it private from this

point forward.

Patty

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have to say, I don't get why this article was

> > written.

> > > > Other

> > > > > > than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have

> implants

> > > > (thanks,

> > > > > > Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever.

> Even

> > the

> > > > > > reference to Saline Support implies that it's just

a

> > bunch

> > > > of

> > > > > > hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of

> women

> > who

> > > > have

> > > > > > gotten sick from implants, or the many, many

studies

> > that

> > > > show

> > > > > how

> > > > > > silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer

could

> have

> > > > > interviewed

> > > > > > Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before

the

> FDA

> > > > against

> > > > > > implants. Even the photo is a blatant

advertisement

> for

> > > > the " new,

> > > > > > better " teardrop implants.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a

story?

> > Is

> > > > this

> > > > > > what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take

any

> > view

> > > > that

> > > > > > might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

> > corporations

> > > > and

> > > > > other

> > > > > > powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

> > reasons

> > > > we're

> > > > > now

> > > > > > mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

> AGAIN.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have a hard time believing that this writer

could

> > not

> > > > write a

> > > > > > real article and get it published. Being a writer

and

> > > > teacher of

> > > > > > writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well

> aware

> > of

> > > > what

> > > > > it

> > > > > > takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

> > writers

> > > > don't

> > > > > > tell then truth, who will?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Melinda

> > > > > > > My Breast Implant

Article

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My

article

> > was

> > > > > severely

> > > > > > edited

> > > > > > > to cut out the more controversial statements

and

> > issues

> > > > > > presented.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Anyway, here goes:

> > > > > > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > > > > > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or

volunteered.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the

place

> > of

> > > > advice

> > > > > > given by licensed health care professionals.

Consult

> > your

> > > > > physician

> > > > > > or licensed health care professional before

commencing

> > any

> > > > > medical

> > > > > > treatment.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > " Do not let either the medical authorities or

the

> > > > politicians

> > > > > > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make

> your

> > own

> > > > > > decisions about how to live a happy life and how

to

> work

> > > for

> > > > a

> > > > > > better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel

Prize

> > Winner

> > > > > (1954,

> > > > > > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for

> access

> > at

> > > > this

> > > > > link:

> > > > > > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Melinda,

Perhaps you can use your talents and connections to start doing more

stories that highlight the significant challenges we have faced? What

do you think? There's always opportunities for those who want to

pursue them....

Patty

>

> Divapoet,

> No, I have never worked in a full-time media job, but I have several

immediate family members who do. One is a senior editor of a

nationally distributed magazine.

[Guest guest]

I would love to do a story about breast implants and plan to at a future date. I know two editors who have expressed interest. Since my recovery is still rather slow, I'm trying to focus on finishing my book, which I haven't been able to work on for some time. Thanks for the nudge.

Re: My Breast Implant Article

Melinda,Perhaps you can use your talents and connections to start doing more stories that highlight the significant challenges we have faced? What do you think? There's always opportunities for those who want to pursue them....Patty>> Divapoet,> No, I have never worked in a full-time media job, but I have several immediate family members who do. One is a senior editor of a nationally distributed magazine.

[Guest guest]

That is great Melinda!!

We need something that is updated, that shows this issue has not 'gone away' -

many

more women are getting sick from implants. There are powerful political forces

to

minimize the dangers of imlants.

> >

> > Divapoet,

> > No, I have never worked in a full-time media job, but I have several

> immediate family members who do. One is a senior editor of a

> nationally distributed magazine.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by

licensed health

care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional

before

commencing any medical treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you.

Find out what

the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and

how to work

for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954,

Chemistry; 1963,

Peace)

>

> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at this link:

> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

>

>

[Guest guest]

Melinda - that is awesome regarding the writing. I look forward to

reading your book one day!!

I love to write and have never done it professionally, however my

college professor told me I have a talent for it. I've written some

kids books but they haven't been published, it's hard to get books

published if you haven't been published yet.

My recovery is slow-go, too, but mentally I feel so much more at

ease.

Sis

>

> I would love to do a story about breast implants and plan to at a

future date. I know two editors who have expressed interest. Since

my recovery is still rather slow, I'm trying to focus on finishing

my book, which I haven't been able to work on for some time. Thanks

for the nudge.

>

> Re: My Breast Implant Article

>

>

> Melinda,

> Perhaps you can use your talents and connections to start doing

more

> stories that highlight the significant challenges we have

faced? What

> do you think? There's always opportunities for those who want

to

> pursue them....

> Patty

>

> --- In , " freebindi " <bindi@a...>

wrote:

> >

> > Divapoet,

> > No, I have never worked in a full-time media job, but I have

several

> immediate family members who do. One is a senior editor of a

> nationally distributed magazine.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice

given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician

or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical

treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians

mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own

decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a

better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954,

Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

> See our photos website! Enter " implants " for access at this link:

> http://.shutterfly.com/action/

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I just wanted to thank you for attempting to write an article that

would have given voice to the women who have gotten sick from

implants. It really is frustrating, but not surprising, that the

article got edited the way it did. I hope that you do not let

negative comments keep you from attempting to try again in the

future if the opportunity would present itself. We need all the

exposure we can get. Even mentioning this website is a big boon

because the ladies out there who are sick that will see that article

will hone in on the mention of the support group. When I was sick,

I wanted to look up implant illness because I was wondering if my

implants could be involved. Unfortunately I couldn't find anything

on the internet. Then I went to a massage therapist and she had an

article in a professional journal of massage talking about implants

and silicone and how a massage therapist can help with eliminating

toxins. It mentioned the link that led me to this group. Once here,

I readily recognized my symptoms as being typical of implant illness

and they recommended the surgeon who would remove my implants. I am

extremely grateful. I honestly think that even that couple of

sentences that got through will reach someone desperate to find a

link. So thank you for your efforts! I applaud your caring enough

to help other women in need and possibly preventing some other

unfortunate woman from making the mistake I did.

Hugs, Kathy

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have to say, I don't get why this article was

> > written.

> > > > Other

> > > > > > than the reference to Kenda choosing not to have

> implants

> > > > (thanks,

> > > > > > Kenda), it has absolutely no substance whatsoever.

> Even

> > the

> > > > > > reference to Saline Support implies that it's just a

> > bunch

> > > > of

> > > > > > hysterical women. No mention of the thousands of

> women

> > who

> > > > have

> > > > > > gotten sick from implants, or the many, many studies

> > that

> > > > show

> > > > > how

> > > > > > silicone poisons the body. I mean, the writer could

> have

> > > > > interviewed

> > > > > > Ed Melmed, who is the only PS to testify before the

> FDA

> > > > against

> > > > > > implants. Even the photo is a blatant advertisement

> for

> > > > the " new,

> > > > > > better " teardrop implants.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Isn't news supposed to present all sides to a

story?

> > Is

> > > > this

> > > > > > what " news " has come to? The unwillingness to take

any

> > view

> > > > that

> > > > > > might be deemed controversial or upsetting to

> > corporations

> > > > and

> > > > > other

> > > > > > powers that be?It makes me so mad. It's one of the

> > reasons

> > > > we're

> > > > > now

> > > > > > mired in this immoral war--the media wimping out,

> AGAIN.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have a hard time believing that this writer

could

> > not

> > > > write a

> > > > > > real article and get it published. Being a writer

and

> > > > teacher of

> > > > > > writing myself, from a family of writers, I'm well

> aware

> > of

> > > > what

> > > > > it

> > > > > > takes to fight for truthful representation. But if

> > writers

> > > > don't

> > > > > > tell then truth, who will?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Melinda

> > > > > > > My Breast Implant

Article

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I was afraid this was going to happen. My

article

> > was

> > > > > severely

> > > > > > edited

> > > > > > > to cut out the more controversial statements and

> > issues

> > > > > > presented.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Anyway, here goes:

> > > > > > http://www.nashvillerage.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

> > > > > > > AID=/20051201/RAGE10/512010330/1229

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > And thanks to all who helped and/or volunteered.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the

place

> > of

> > > > advice

> > > > > > given by licensed health care professionals. Consult

> > your

> > > > > physician

> > > > > > or licensed health care professional before

commencing

> > any

> > > > > medical

> > > > > > treatment.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > " Do not let either the medical authorities or

the

> > > > politicians

> > > > > > mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make

> your

> > own

> > > > > > decisions about how to live a happy life and how to

> work

> > > for

> > > > a

> > > > > > better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize

> > Winner

> > > > > (1954,

> > > > > > Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > See our photos website! Enter " implants " for

> access

> > at

> > > > this

> > > > > link:

> > > > > > > http://.shutterfly.com/action/

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >