Patient Testimonials | Breast Reconstruction Matters

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Patient Stories

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Jennifer

Age 47, Delayed Breast Implant Reconstruction with AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix

Jennifer's mother had breast cancer. Her aunt died of breast cancer. And her cousin was a two-time cancer survivor. Because of this history, she had frequent mammograms from the age of 35, one of which revealed Stage 1 cancer in her right breast in 2007. While a lumpectomy was an option, she chose to have a double mastectomy (removing the left breast prophylactically). Jennifer opted for delayed breast implant reconstruction using AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix. As a result, today at age 47 she feels complete, happy and whole again.

To read the full transcription of Jennifer's story click here.

Amy

Age 41, Immediate Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction with AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix

Amy, who is 41 years old and comes from a family in which there is a significant history of cancer, was 39 when she was diagnosed with cancer in one breast. She underwent a double mastectomy (removing the other breast prophylactically), with immediate direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix. In planning her reconstruction, Amy exercised her option to increase her breast size and was very pleased with the result. She advises women in her situation to carefully consider the reconstruction option, noting how important body image can be to a woman's sense of self.

To read the full transcription of Amy's story click here.

Andi

Age 52, Immediate TRAM flap reconstruction and Revisionary procedure with AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix

Andi, age 52, was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast in 1998 and underwent a mastectomy that same year. In reviewing her reconstruction options with her surgeons, she chose an immediate TRAM-Flap reconstruction to reduce the number of surgeries she would need to have. This was followed in 2006 with a revisionary procedure using an implant and AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix to correct hollowness above the reconstructed breast. She encourages women who are considering reconstruction to make their decision as early in their breast cancer treatment as possible. In her opinion, the choices one makes for breast cancer treatment can have an effect on the outcomes for reconstruction.

To read the full transcription of Andi's story click here.

Andrea

Age 44, Immediate Full Muscle Coverage Reconstruction

44-year-old Andrea was just 36 when she was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast. She chose to have a lumpectomy first to remove the cancer and give her time to sort out her options. Chemotherapy followed, and she spent considerable time with support groups. Eventually Andrea decided on a double mastectomy (removing the right breast prophylactically) and immediate reconstruction with silicone implants and full muscle coverage for both breasts. She advises women to advocate for themselves to ensure they get what they need post-mastectomy.

To read the full transcription of Andrea's story click here.

Bethany

Age 37, Immediate DIEP Flap and SIEA Flap Reconstruction

Bethany, who is 37 years old, was diagnosed with the BRCA-2 mutation gene on her 35th birthday and, though she didn't then have breast cancer, decided to have both breasts removed prophylactically. She had watched several family members battle cancer and had no desire to go through what they experienced. After her double mastectomy, Bethany decided on autologous reconstruction, with a DIEP flap on one breast and a SIEA flap on the other. This was followed by one revisionary procedure to obtain a better aesthetic result. She's happy with her new physical self, and feels just as much of a woman as she did before her breasts were removed.

To read the full transcription of Bethany's story click here.

Carmella

Age 44, Immediate Breast Implant Reconstruction with AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix

Carmella, age 44, was diagnosed with cancer in one breast in 2008 and chose to have bilateral mastectomies (removing the other breast prophylactically). She opted for immediate breast reconstruction with implants using AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix, followed by a single revisionary procedure to correct asymmetrical appearance and rippling. Breast reconstruction has helped to restore her confidence in herself as a woman. She advises other women to be sure to make choices that feel right for them.

To read the full transcription of Carmella's story click here.

Karen

Age 48, Immediate DIEP Flap and SIEA Flap Reconstruction

Breast cancer runs in Karen's family, with some members diagnosed with the BRCA-1 mutation gene. Age 48 today, Karen was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast 4 years ago and chose to have bilateral mastectomies (removing the right breast prophylactically). She underwent autologous reconstruction, with a DIEP flap on the right and a SIEA flap on the left breast, followed by one revisionary procedure for reshaping. As a plastic surgeon herself and breast cancer survivor, she advises women to exercise their right of choice when considering reconstruction, and to thoroughly investigate their options by talking with their surgeons and drawing on the experience and strengths of other women.

To read the full transcription of Karen's story click here.