Sarah
Procedure
Bilateral Mastectomies
Sarah’s treatment plan included bilateral mastectomies, a procedure where both breasts are surgically removed. This step was essential in addressing her aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer and significantly reducing the risk of recurrence. The decision to undergo bilateral mastectomies was a critical one, made in the context of a broader treatment strategy aimed at eradicating the cancer and ensuring long-term health. The procedure involved the complete removal of breast tissue from both sides, which not only addressed the cancer but also had a profound impact on Sarah’s physical and emotional well-being.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Following the mastectomies, Sarah opted for DIEP flap reconstruction. This surgical technique uses tissue from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breasts, offering a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result compared to implants. The DIEP flap procedure was chosen for its advantage of using Sarah’s own tissue, which reduces the risk of complications and provides a result that more closely resembles the natural breast. The reconstruction aimed to restore her appearance and contribute to her emotional healing after the cancer treatments.
Nipple Areola Reconstruction
The final aspect of Sarah’s surgical journey was nipple areola reconstruction. This procedure was designed to recreate the appearance of the nipples and areolas after the mastectomies and reconstruction. Nipple areola reconstruction is often a vital step in completing the breast reconstruction process, helping patients regain a sense of normalcy and improving their self-esteem. For Sarah, this procedure marked the culmination of her surgical journey, providing the finishing touches to her reconstructed breasts.
Discovery of a Pebble
In July 2018, Sarah noticed a troubling lump in her breast. “My hand brushed across my breast, and I felt it. It was like a pebble,” she described. This discovery was the beginning of a challenging journey. The lump, which felt small and hard, prompted Sarah to seek medical attention. The sensation of the lump was unsettling, and its discovery marked the start of a series of medical appointments and tests that would ultimately lead to a breast cancer diagnosis.
Grief to Action
Sarah’s emotional state was complex as she transitioned from dealing with the grief of a stillbirth six months earlier to confronting her cancer diagnosis. The sudden shift from personal loss to a life-threatening illness was jarring. “I had to switch gears from losing a child to having cancer,” she recalled. This transition required Sarah to process her grief while simultaneously gearing up for the intensive treatment needed to fight her cancer. The emotional weight of managing both personal loss and a serious health condition was significant, demanding resilience and a swift adjustment to her new reality.
Aggressive Chemotherapy
Sarah embarked on a rigorous treatment plan that included six months of aggressive chemotherapy, concluding in May 2019. This form of chemotherapy was designed to target and destroy cancer cells throughout her body, aiming to reduce the size of the tumor and address any potential spread of cancer. The aggressive nature of the treatment meant that Sarah faced significant side effects and challenges, but it was a crucial step in her overall treatment strategy. Following the chemotherapy, Sarah proceeded with her planned bilateral mastectomies and DIEP flap reconstruction in June 2019, marking the next phase of her cancer treatment.
Balancing Work and Treatment
Despite the challenges of chemotherapy, Sarah maintained her professional role as a speech therapist in the New York City school system. Her work provided a sense of normalcy and routine amidst the upheaval of her cancer treatment. Balancing her career with the demands of treatment was a testament to Sarah’s strength and determination. It also underscored the importance of maintaining aspects of normal life and routine even when facing significant health challenges.
Referral to Specialized Plastic Surgery
Concerned about her post-surgery expectations and outcomes, Sarah was referred to Specialized Plastic Surgery by a colleague who had a positive experience with the practice. The referral came with high praise for the practice’s comprehensive care and community support. This recommendation was crucial in Sarah’s journey, as it provided her with access to a team that could guide her through the complex process of reconstructive surgery with both expertise and empathy.
Empowerment Through Support
Throughout her journey, Sarah received significant support from her family, particularly her husband, Ed. His reassurance and the support from her peers were crucial in maintaining her emotional well-being. They helped her understand that the challenges of her cancer journey would not undermine her marriage or her sense of self. Additionally, seeing visual representations of what her body would look like post-surgery helped Sarah feel more prepared and less anxious about the changes she would undergo.
Informed Decision-Making
Sarah’s decision-making process was marked by careful consideration and ownership of her care. Despite recommendations for radiation therapy, she chose to make informed decisions based on her lab results and pathology reports. Sarah’s approach emphasized the importance of being proactive and involved in one’s own treatment plan. Her willingness to question and evaluate her options reflected her commitment to making choices that aligned with her health needs and personal values.
Challenging Preconceptions
Sarah reflected on the difficulty of confronting preconceived notions about cancer and treatment. She highlighted the uniqueness of each individual’s experience with the disease, stressing that no single narrative fits everyone’s situation. This perspective underscored the importance of personalizing treatment and care, acknowledging that each person’s journey with cancer is distinct and requires a tailored approach.
Encouragement for Others
Today, Sarah offers encouragement to those facing their own cancer journeys. Her advice is to remain open-minded and receptive to different perspectives, while also recognizing that each person’s experience is unique. Sarah’s journey has taught her the value of listening to others while also understanding that personal experiences with cancer can vary greatly. Her message is one of hope and resilience, encouraging others to navigate their paths with both openness and confidence.
