The mother of Luna Petagine, the youngster who was the subject of a fundraising campaign in the Watford Observer last year, has spoken to a national newspaper about fears a ruptured PIP breast implant could have caused her daughter’s brain tumour.
Lucy Petagine, of Raglan Gardens, Oxhey, had her breasts enlarged in 2001.
When her right implant ruptured in 2007, she was told by her NHS doctor she could continue to breastfeed newborn Luna as there was no risk.
But the child was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumour at 18 months of age and now Mrs Petagine says she has been left wondering whether the implant could have contributed to her daughter’s condition.
Mrs Petagine, aged 38, told the Watford Observer: "It’s my worst fear, if it turned out that I had, through my own vanity, caused my daughter’s condition, I would die.
"When it ruptured, I consulted my doctor as to whether I could breast feed. I was told that it would be fine; there was enough muscle and tissue between the fluid and the glands that produce milk.
"But as more and more stories emerge about the dangers of PIP implants, I can’t help but feel concerned."
Although there is no conclusive evidence, speculation over a link between PIP implants and cancer was first raised in the national press in December Women all over the world have now come forward claiming they have suffered ruptures as a result of PIP implants, which are made using industrial-grade silicone designed to be used as mattress filler.
Mrs Petagine said: "It’s like a time bomb as I’ve still got these implants.
"I’ve been told my right implant is leaking into my lymph node, and I don’t know what that will mean for me."
The leaking implant has not changed her physical appearance but Mrs Petagine said: "Over the past few years I’ve not felt well, but that could’ve been down to the stress of caring for Luna, or it could be that I’m slowly being poisoned by my implant.
"I also breastfed my other daughter Enza and am now asking for an MRI for her, because we simply don’t know what PIP can do.
"Doctors can’t give us a definitive answer. We don’t know if there is a link between the implants and Luna’s condition, but it’s possible.
"It’s about time someone found out exactly what PIPs can do."
It is believed about 40,000 women in Britain have PIP implants, the vast majority of surgery being for breast augmentation performed in the private sector.
Last month, the NHS said it would remove PIP implants from private patients, but would not replace them.
Mrs Petagine said she will eventually have to have her implants removed, but feels she has been short-changed.
She said: "I paid £3,500 for the enlargement, and although I’ve been offered removal surgery for free, it still doesn’t make up for the breasts I will lose.
"I can’t afford to replace them, every penny we have goes towards treatment for Luna and I can’t be laid up for surgery, I need to care for my children.
"The situation is a nightmare; it’s a further headache for our family. But the idea that my implants could’ve harmed my child - it would destroy me."
PIP, owned by businessman Jean Claude Mas, 72, went into administration last year. Its products were banned in 2010 after patients complained of ruptures.
*Readers of the Watford Observer helped raised thounsands of pounds last year to send little Luna for tumour treatment at a specialist clinic in Houston, Texas. The cash donations flooded in and helped pay for her initial assessment at the clinic and her ongoing care.
source: watfordobserver.co.uk
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