Jennifer Sterger has revealed that she underwent an emergency double mastectomy after her right breast "exploded."
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Sterger, a former NFL sideline reporter for the New York Jets who is now a comedian and animal advocate, provided insight with a post on Instagram featuring numerous photos from the hospital.
"Last Thursday.. I lost my breasts," Sterger wrote. "I have spent the past month in and out of countless doctors offices, hooked up to all kinds of devices and tubes in an effort to find out what's been wrong with my right breast.
"They've been largely trying to determine if I have a rare form of breast implant induced lymphoma.. BIA ALCL. But testing for it has proven brutal. Multiple biopsies. Two were utter failures, and the other was one of the most painful experiences in my whole life... and I've worked for the Jets."
Sterger continued and said that she had a plastic surgery consult, during which she received urging to go to the emergency room. She took the trip and underwent more ultrasounds and tests. She then received news that she had to wait a few days for a team to assemble.
She did not have a few days. The situation quickly took a turn for the worse.
"But Thursday morning, the right one exploded," she added. "Not the implant, my actual breast.
"Being immunocompromised and still with lots of questions about what was actually occurring in my body, doctors were scared that if we waited, I would go septic. So, I was rushed into the ER and redlined into surgery."
Sterger made it through the procedure and received comments and messages from people asking if they could contribute to a GoFundMe. She noted that she has not made a page as she does not know the "actual damage" from the procedure. She also doesn't want to divert resources from others in need.
All she asked is that people go out and rescue a dog or a cat in her honor. This is an understandable request considering that she runs a non-profit animal rescue.
