Intro

This blog's purpose is to chronicle my journey, which I think will be a means of catharsis for me, but the main reason I'm publishing it online is in hopes that it will raise BRCA genetic testing awareness and maybe even help others along their own journey. When it came time to make decisions regarding my medical care, I found that the blogs of other women in similar circumstances were the most helpful for me.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Decisions

When life hands me lemons, I research online 50 million ways to make lemonade.

The weeks after my sister's test results, I did thorough online research on the BRCA gene mutation. I looked up all the statistics and the different courses of action. I had decided that if my results were positive, I would be doing a DIEP flap reconstruction. This is a procedure where after your mastectomy is complete, fat and skin are removed from your belly and inserted into your breasts. This method essentially gives you a reconstruction and tummy tuck all in one. I thought that sounded like a pretty decent perk. Once I got my results though, I did some more research and wasn't as sure anymore. The DIEP flap surgery is an 8-11 hour surgery and has a very long recovery time. I didn't want to put my body through all that and I didn't want to be off work that long. On the other side of that, I was concerned with the shelf life of implants. I was leaning more towards implants but I wanted to know, when my implants deflate and need to be exchanged, would I have to pay for this surgery myself?

In the mean time the breast surgeon's office called me to schedule a consult.

2 comments:

  1. I would love to talk to you more! You seem very informed. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi! Absolutely! I'd love to help any way I can. I think I can find you on FB so I'll send you my personal email there.

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