It is an honor to present a project I was asked to participate in. The focus of the project is patient centered stories in breast reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on the shared decision-making model for patients through their own personal breast reconstruction Journey. The program is available in a video presented on a Balancing Act segment of Lifetime Television and embedded in this blog for you to watch. It is truly a network of support through your breast reconstruction Journey.
Rebecca’s Network of Support
I was approached by Mentor to participate in the project. It did not take me long to know my voice was an important part of the network of support. The story focused on Rebecca, a young woman who tested positive for the BRCA 2 gene. She sought guidance from a genetic counselor after watching her mother go through breast cancer. She knew she was at higher risk to have breast cancer with her genetic testing results. Instead of letting the fear of breast cancer rule her life, Rebecca took control and had a preventative double mastectomy using implants to reconstruct her breasts, greatly reducing her risks of getting breast cancer.
Rebecca was given all her options for breast reconstruction. Her surgeon engaged in a shared decision-making conversation with her about the risks, benefits, and healing process of having surgery. Rebecca’s surgeon listened to her personal preferences for breast reconstruction. She felt ownership in her decision after talking to her surgeon along with the support of her husband.
A Network of Support in My Own Breast Reconstruction Journey
My role in the project was sharing my Journey of being a two-time breast cancer survivor who had successful breast reconstruction and becoming a patient advocate as a result of my experience. I see and hear stories similar to Rebecca’s every day. The connections are always immediate and easy. Rebecca and I both know we now have a combined effort bringing awareness to the importance of knowing all your options for breast reconstruction. No one travels this Journey alone. Rebecca and I both want others to know we are there for other women and men faced with this difficult decision.
I too, had the fortune of being fully engaged in a shared decision-making conversation with my breast reconstruction surgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. I did not know how empowering this process could be until my husband and I met him. I believe the day I left his office was the beginning of my work as a patient advocate. It would take time for me to realize it but I knew it was going to be my life’s mission. I learned so much from him I only wanted to share this with more women and men. I continue my work today through DiepCFoundation, the nonprofit organization I was encouraged to open by Dr. C.
A Network of Support in A Shared Decision-Making Aid
Dr. Chrysopoulo’s desire to educate others affected by breast cancer became a work of determination, creativity, and passion. He developed a shared decision-making app that aids patients in their options for breast reconstruction surgery as well as their breast cancer treatment. The Breast Advocate app allows the patient to become their own best advocate, to have a voice in their breast reconstruction decision.
I want to add a personal note. I was easily drawn to this project by a simple hashtag Mentor uses in their breast reconstruction awareness campaign, #BraDayEveryday. Doesn’t that sum up the network of support we need through our breast reconstruction Journeys? Each day there are those who will need this support. I am happy I am part of this amazing project. Enjoy the video and thank you to all those who put their heart and soul into this message about the importance of knowing all your options for breast reconstruction in a shared decision-making experience.