I was given all my options for breast reconstruction the day my breast surgeon told me I would be facing a double mastectomy after my second breast cancer diagnosis. I was fortunate. However, I had to dig deep and spend hours of research to find the specifics of what type of reconstruction I felt was going to work best for me. At first, like many women, I thought implants were my only option. I ultimately decided I wanted to use my own tissue. But where could I find those alternative choices to implants for breast reconstruction?
It took me time and asking a lot of questions. It was important to me to find medically backed information and evidence-based articles about alternatives to implants for breast reconstruction. I did not find all this information in one place nor did I have access to what many women have available today. What am I talking about?
The Alternatives to Implants Can be Found on a Free App
I am talking about the Breast Advocate App. It’s a free app co-created by leading breast cancer specialists and patient advocates. The app is available on iPhones and Android. You can search for it in iTunes or Google Play. It is free. You can also access the app by clicking on the blue Breast Advocate logo at the bottom of this DiepCJourney blog page and on the side bar of DiepCFoundation website. It is an honor to be able to provide this resource.
How to Use Breast Advocate to Explore Your Alternatives to Implants
Finding information on the alternatives to implants for breast reconstruction is very easy using this app. Click on the “Treatment” icon on the Dashboard to take you to the “Treatment” option page. Then, scroll down to, “I want Breast Reconstruction”.
Click on the choice labeled, “I want ‘Natural’ Reconstruction”. You have entered a fantastic resource of videos, images, and articles covering many questions you likely haven’t even thought of. Why is this important? It will allow you to have an informed, shared decision-making conversation when you are ready to have a consult with a plastic surgeon. Shared decision-making is honoring all the information you have researched combining it with the knowledge of your plastic surgeon to make the best choice you are comfortable with for your breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Now You’re in the Driver’s Seat for Discussing Breast Reconstruction
Imagine being told you have breast cancer or a gene mutation placing you at high risk of getting breast cancer. The word mastectomy is a scary idea to anyone who is the recipient of such news. The mere thought and visualization of losing a body part is devastating to many. It was frightening to me the day I was told a mastectomy was my treatment plan. Knowing I could rebuild my breasts using my own tissue to replace what breast cancer stole from my body gave me a sense of hope.
Picture yourself sitting in your first consult with a plastic surgeon after you have utilized the information from the Breast Advocate app about alternatives to implants for breast reconstruction. Envision yourself having a conversation about the following:
- Restoring feeling after mastectomy
- Recovery from flap surgery
- Risks of flap surgery
- What if I need radiation?
- What if I’m told I’m too thin for a flap?
The list goes on. I encourage you click on the icon on the blog site, go to the Breast Advocate website, or check out their Facebook page to find out more.