Lorraine
Procedure
- Risk-reducing mastectomies
- DIEP flap reconstruction
- Nipple areola reconstruction
Diagnosis and Decision Making
Lorraine’s journey began with a significant discovery: she tested positive for the BRCA2 genetic mutation while she was pregnant. It was a terrifying revelation, compounded by the knowledge of the cancer history in her family. Women in her family had begun developing cancer at 35, and at 33, Lorraine was already grappling with the risks. The emotional impact of the test was profound. She recalls, “As soon as she told me the test was positive, I felt like she just said I had breast cancer. That was not the case, but that’s what it felt like.” This emotional confusion underscored the difficult decisions that lay ahead.
Surgery Choices and Reconstruction
When her son was one year old, Lorraine decided to undergo a risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The choice was motivated by the need to protect her future and ensure that she remained healthy for her family. The decision came after noticing lumps under her arms, which she interpreted as a warning sign from her body. Lorraine worked closely with her OB/GYN, and upon her breast surgeon’s recommendation, she chose to have her surgery at Specialized Plastic Surgery, where she would be under the care of Dr. Michael Sosin.
Lorraine’s decision to opt for the DIEP flap over implants was influenced by her autoimmune issues. She explained, “I chose the DIEP flap because I have autoimmune issues, and I didn’t think my body would react well to implants. I thought doing the DIEP flap would be the safer solution for me. And I wanted whatever I did to be able to last a lifetime.” The DIEP flap procedure involves using tissue from the patient’s own body, which reduces the risk of rejection compared to implants, making it a suitable choice for individuals with specific health concerns like Lorraine’s.
In addition to the DIEP flap, Lorraine also opted for nipple-areola reconstruction, completing her reconstructive process. This final touch helped restore her confidence, both in her appearance and in her ability to take control of her health.
Philosophy:
Dr. Devulapalli’s approach to plastic surgery is rooted in the belief that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs and goals. He takes the time to listen, understand, and collaborate with his patients, ensuring that each individual feels empowered and confident in their decision-making process. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to natural-looking results are hallmarks of his practice, making him a trusted choice for patients throughout Westchester and beyond.
Navigating Support and Community
Lorraine’s decision-making process was not easy. While some family members supported her choice, others were more resistant, even upset. Family dynamics were complicated, as she navigated the challenge of having taken the genetic test and dealing with the implications of the result. “They were sad that I had the gene mutation, but they were also scared for themselves,” Lorraine explained. Some family members expressed fear about what her diagnosis might mean for their health. She felt the weight of advocating not only for herself but also for them. “I had to explain that they didn’t have to be tested, but they should. Information is never bad because then you have choices of what you can do with that information.”
Lorraine also found support through medical professionals, including Dr. Sosin, who she describes as not only skilled but also compassionate. “The mindset is different from someone who has cancer to someone who is doing this to prevent cancer, so I was pretty fearful, and the after-effect of the surgery was very important to me,” she recalls. Dr. Sosin’s ability to empathize with Lorraine’s concerns and provide options allowed her to make informed decisions about her health and body.
Risk-Reducing Mastectomies
Risk-reducing mastectomies are a proactive option for women like Lorraine, who have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. For her, the surgery was about more than just removing a risk; it was about gaining control over a situation that could otherwise feel overwhelming. Many women in similar situations often feel as though they are helpless when faced with such life-changing news, but Lorraine’s story highlights the importance of taking action. With the support of her medical team and a firm understanding of her options, she was able to reduce her cancer risk significantly.
Facing Genetic Risk
Facing a BRCA2 mutation is an emotional challenge, but Lorraine’s story demonstrates how genetic testing can empower women to make decisions about their health. She understood that carrying the mutation did not mean she had cancer, but it did place her at a higher risk, and she wanted to take proactive measures before it was too late. Genetic counseling and education were critical to her decision-making process, and she strongly advocates for others to be aware of their options. “There are so many people who do not know that they have choices. [The mutation] doesn’t have to be something that’s ruining their lives. This could be something that improves their lives, and helps them make choices,” Lorraine emphasizes.
Emotional Impact
The emotional toll of testing positive for a BRCA2 mutation was immense. For Lorraine, it felt as though her life had been put on pause while she processed the news. Even though her test result did not mean an immediate cancer diagnosis, the fear of developing cancer was ever-present. The weight of this knowledge was intensified by her family’s history of cancer, where women in her lineage had developed the disease at such young ages. Her decision to undergo surgery was rooted in protecting herself from the fate she had seen play out for her loved ones.
Navigating Family Concerns
Lorraine’s journey was also complicated by the reactions of her family members. Some questioned her decision to take the genetic test, while others were concerned for their own futures. Despite their initial fears, Lorraine believes that knowledge is power and encourages others to consider testing. She emphasizes the importance of having access to information in order to make informed choices about health.
Advocating for Knowledge
Lorraine became an advocate not just for her own health, but for others. Through her experience, she realized that many women were unaware of the options available to them, especially those with genetic predispositions. Lorraine’s message is one of empowerment through education. By understanding their risks, women can take control of their health and make choices that are best suited to their individual needs.
Decision After Motherhood
Motherhood played a significant role in Lorraine’s decision to pursue risk-reducing surgery. As a mother of two, she felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect her future so she could be there for her children. The decision to undergo surgery, particularly when her children were so young, was challenging, but Lorraine viewed it as a necessary step to ensure she would be able to watch them grow up without the fear of cancer looming over her.
Recovery and Reflection
The recovery process was physically demanding, especially as a mother of two young children. Lorraine recalls the difficult moments when her children, seeing her in pain, instinctively wanted to take care of her. Yet, despite the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, Lorraine knows she made the right choice.
Outcome and Confidence
Today, Lorraine looks back on her decision with confidence and pride. Her stress levels have significantly decreased, and she credits Dr. Sosin for delivering results that exceeded her expectations. “I definitely love the [reconstructive] outcome. I think I had psyched myself up about it so that no matter how I turned out I was going to be accepting of it, but Dr. Sosin exceeded my hopes,” she says. Now, with her health secure and her confidence restored, Lorraine feels stronger and more in control of her future than ever before.
