After announcing she had breast cancer back in October, Giuliana Rancic continues her battle with the disease.
Today, the E! news reporter revealed she is choosing to undergo a double mastectomy after her double lumpectomy failed to completely eradicate the breast cancer.
Giuliana, 36, appeared on the Today Show this morning with husband Bill Rancic, during which the couple revealed they considered another lumpectomy and radiation. They are, however, electing to go with the more drastic option to make certain the cancer is gone. According to her doctors, the cancer will have a less than 1 percent chance of returning.
“At the end, all it came down to was choosing to live and not looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life,” Giuliana said of her decision to proceed with the aggressive surgery. “It was not an easy decision but it was the best decision for me.” she says.
“I would like to take the stigma away. ‘Mastectomy’ the word seemed so scary to me at first. After doing research and seeing the advancements, the surgery has come a long way from 20 years ago. The results can be incredible,” added Giuliana.
Another deciding factor for Giuliana is the fact that she and hubby Bill are still trying to have a baby. “If I had chosen to just have another lumpectomy… Then I would have to put off having a baby for several years,” said Giuliana, as the procedures following another lumpectomy could leave her at the age of menopause.
Bill’s support also played a major role in her decision. “Bill said to me, ‘I just need you around for the next 50 years, kid,’ ” said Giuliana. “He said, ‘I don’t care what you look like, I don’t care about the physical portion of this. I just need you around for the next 50 years. So, let’s just get you healthy.’ And that certainly helped me come to a decision.”
Despite the setback, the Giuliana and Bill stars remains positive. “I hope for a full recovery by New Year’s Eve. We’re planning to be in Times Square!” Giuliana says. “2012 is our year,” adds Bill. “We’re going to ring in the New Year happy and healthy.”
Best wishes to Giuliana and Bill.
[Photo credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com]
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