Some moments in life are forever etched in your memory. The evening of September 28, 2018, at the Navy Pier in Chicago is one of those moments for me. I want to share the emotional night I was one of three recipients awarded the Patient of Courage from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at their annual meeting, PSTM18.
The Anticipation Was Worth the Wait!
I received news in the spring I was the 2018 recipient of the Patient of Courage Award. I was nominated by the plastic surgeon who performed my DIEP flap breast reconstruction, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo of PRMA in San Antonio. The process was a bit like waiting for Christmas, keeping the secret, enjoying all the preparation, and finally celebrating the evening.
The fantastic ASPS media crew scheduled a trip to my home in Arizona mid-August to film my story in a YouTube video. Until the video release at the Chicago meeting the evening of September 28, I couldn’t announce the award, keeping the secret! This camera crew was not only fun but truly talented and amazing. There was a moment in my interview when tears began as I spoke of my breast reconstruction Journey. They compassionately paused and said, “Take all the time you need”. Adam and Jeff were there filming and interviewing the entire day and had to compress the work into a short 4-minute video. That’s talent!
What to Wear?
I often visualized in my mind the moment I would walk on stage with Dr. C. The “girl stuff” kicked in. What should I wear? I wanted to be comfortable but look pretty in my reconstructed body! I selected my attire in honor of my family back in Kansas. They were with me in spirit as they waited for me to send them photos of the event throughout the evening. My beautiful sisters and Mom were caring for my Dad who is living his final days, suffering the effects of cancer and needing round the clock care.
I chose a navy-blue dress since Dad was in the Navy and the event was at the Navy Pier. I wore a necklace my parents had given me several years ago. It kept them all close to my heart. But then this happened. Our oldest son Rich was the chosen family member to be with me the evening of the award. We were just leaving our hotel room and Rich had his hand on the door to leave. Someone knocked on the door. It was the delivery of a wrist corsage from my family in Kansas. I opened the card and immediately broke down. If we left two minutes later, we would have missed receiving it. I wore it with pride the entire evening.
The Symbolic Presence of the Two “C” Gentleman!
Dr. C and Rich rode with me on the bus for rehearsal. These two men were the ones who said to me, “Open a Foundation so you can serve more patients who need the education about options for breast reconstruction.” There are no words to explain their presence with me for the evening. I felt surrounded by love and support from them both.
The moment was at hand. Rich had my Gimbal ready to record the entire moment using my iPhone. They called Dr. C and me back stage to prepare for the acceptance of the award. As we headed back, I grabbed his hand and said, “We did it!” He looked at me and said, “No, YOU did it!” The emotions began to swell.
This Was NOT About Me!
We stood with Peter, the other Patient of Courage and his physician. Dr. C took a photo of all of us. I realized I wouldn’t be able to see the video of my story since we were standing behind the stage. I was called to line up on the stairs with Dr. C right behind me. They started playing the video. I caught a glimpse of it on a smaller screen on stage and in that moment, I realized something. This was NOT about me. I was so overwhelming proud and joyful to be recognized for this award. A flood of tears began to roll down my face and I was gripped with emotion.
The moment I saw a glimpse of the video, I realized, this Patient of Courage Award was for every brave woman who made the difficult decision to have breast reconstruction. Bowing my head trying to conceal my tears, a kind ASPS member realized what was happening and handed me a tissue.
At that moment, likely the most powerful minute of the entire evening, Dr. C, realizing what was happening wrapped his compassionate arms around me and said, “Terri, this is all good. It is only going to get better from here.” It’s just what I needed to hear to gather my strength to walk onto the stage with the man who rebuilt my breasts after a second breast cancer diagnosis to receive the award.
I vow to honor all those who have walked this Journey with me; my husband, two sons, my extended family, Dr. C and my “family” at PRMA, the #JourneyStrong members who continue to inspire me daily, and for those of you yet to receive the information you need, I promise to stay the course and provide education and resources as you make your way through your own personal Journey of breast cancer and breast reconstruction.