Next month marks 11 years since my breast cancer diagnosis. While I am grateful to be cancer-free for this long, the journey has been anything but easy. As a breast cancer survivor, the thought of cancer is always in the back of my mind. Due to my Lynch Syndrome status, I am at risk for up to five different types of cancer, so the worry is ever-present. I will likely continue seeing my oncologist for the rest of my life, and I am okay with that.
I try not to hyper-focus on my health risks. Since my diagnosis, I have made significant changes in my life, particularly to my diet. I eat primarily organic foods, which are more expensive, but worth every penny as it reduces my toxic load. I also focus on detoxing due to my MTHFR gene variant, which makes it harder for my body to detox.
I promised myself not to let any of this define me, aiming instead to live a long, healthy life. Focusing on the quote, “Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger.” It’s empowering to know that my lifestyle plays a massive role in my health outcomes. After my initial cancer diagnosis in 2013, I set out to accept the cards I’ve been dealt and change what I could in my lifestyle.
Fast forward almost eleven years: I’ve experienced two separate ruptured breast implants, breast implant illness, and a Hashimoto diagnosis. Despite living a clean lifestyle, I knew it was time to make a drastic change and remove my implants for good. I’ve written previous blogs about this emotional rollercoaster. After driving across the state to meet with a surgeon specializing in aesthetic flat closure, she introduced me to the Center for Reconstructive Breast Surgery (CRBS) in New Orleans. They are specialists in reconstructive breast surgery and pioneered the SGAP (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator) procedure, which uses tissue from the upper buttocks/hip region to reconstruct breasts with arterial blood flow. This option was perfect for me, as I am thin and do not qualify for the DEIP procedure. Exceptionally few surgeons perform SGAP reconstruction, so I am thankful to have found CRBS.
After much research, prayer, and a consultation with Dr. Trahan at CRBS in January, I joined a private Facebook group dedicated to women who have gone to or are considering surgery at CRBS. (If you’d like more information about this FB group, please reach out to me here. It is not searchable and requires a personal invite. I will be happy to help). The support and shared personal stories from this group helped me make the informed decision to proceed with SGAP surgery. The micro-surgeons at CRBS are the best at what they do, and I knew this was the right decision for me. The thought of undergoing such an extensive surgery was daunting, but I knew I had to remove those toxic leaking implants. My oncologist also informed me that they had found cases of squamous cell carcinoma associated with the type of implants I had, further confirming that I was making the right decision.
So, off to New Orleans I went. My experience at CRBS and St. Charles Surgical Hospital (SCSH) was exceptional from the moment I walked in until I was released to go “home” to my Airbnb. This was my fourth surgery since my initial breast cancer diagnosis. Though I have had some excellent surgeons in South Florida, that I am grateful for, nothing compared to my overall experience at CRBS & SCSH. My SGAP surgery with Dr. Trahan on April 24 lasted close to nine hours and I stayed in the hospital for two nights. The recovery has been difficult, but each day is getting easier. Tomorrow will mark four weeks since the surgery, and despite the pain, cost, and time off work, it has all been worth it.
I am happy with the results so far and will fly out next week for a five-week follow-up with Dr. Trahan. We will discuss the possibility of a Phase II surgery and address any other concerns. Though I am still sore, fatigued and spend much of my time napping after only a few hours of activity, I know it is all one step closer to healing and getting back to good health.
4/24/24 – From the moment you walk in to The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, you are met with compassion and a calming, peaceful environment.
4/24/24 – My obligatory pre-op selfie while waiting for Dr. Trahan.
4/25/24 – Right before going in for surgery. I don’t remember this at all, but clearly I was awake and talking.
Breast Cancer Resources
I’ve created a breast cancer resource page for informational purposes to help you make the best choices for your care. Decisions that only you can make.
I encourage you to ask questions, get second opinions, care for yourself, and pray. You have what it takes, and you are loved. – Martha
Envisioning Wellness – My Journey Back to Good 