Each year in October, a day is set aside to provide education to women and men about what options are available for breast reconstruction. Medical practices, plastic surgeons, and organization across the country host various events inviting those who need resources and information about breast reconstruction. Attendees to BRA Day events include those affected by breast cancer. Let’s take a closer look at topics covered and answer the question of what Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is and the information it provides.
Options for Breast Reconstruction
- Autologous breast reconstruction: Using the patient’s own tissue to reconstruction the breast.
- Implant-based reconstruction: Using an implant filled with silicon or gel to recreate the breast.
- Autologous tissue and implant combined
I had autologous, DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The lower tummy tissue is disconnected along with the underlying blood vessels (deep inferior epigastric perforators). It is then reconnected to the breast area to create soft warm breasts. DIEP flap can be performed at the same time of the mastectomy. This is called immediate breast reconstruction. In my case, I had a skin sparing, nipple sparing mastectomy with delayed DIEP flap. My mastectomy was performed first and seven months later I had reconstruction.
There are other areas on the body that can be used to recreate the breast after mastectomy. Two options include the inner thigh and back of buttocks. It is important for patients seeking any type of autologous breast reconstruction to seek a well-qualified microsurgeon to perform their surgery. Microsurgery is a subset of plastic surgery requiring additional years of specialty training. No matter what type of reconstruction you plan to have, seek a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your reconstruction.
Ongoing Support after Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day
DiepCFoundation is a resource you can reach out to year-round for more information about breast reconstruction. We are honored to serve the breast cancer and breast reconstruction community. I would like to acknowledge glassybaby in downtown Bellevue, Washington for providing the space to hold this event.
The event I will be hosting will also provide information for attendees about the Breast Advocate App. I am honored to know the founder of this app, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. This free breast cancer app is co-created by leading specialists and patient advocates. It is available for Apple iPhone and Android providing evidence-based information and recommendations, personalized for you. Stop by to speak to me about it and pick up some information on the app.
The following resources will also be provided at the event for Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day:
- Knitted Knockers: Samples will be available to hold and feel with information on where to order.
- Healincomfort Recovery Shirts: Come check out the breast reconstruction recovery shirt that holds drains after breast surgery. I will have samples to view and information on ordering.
- Naturally Impressive Prosthetic Nipples: Samples and information on ordering will be available.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day continues on the Journey
As Founder and Director of DiepCFoundation, I know each day women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Not all will face a mastectomy, but many will. At the Foundation, our mission is not to tell you to have breast reconstruction but to provide you with the education and resources to empower you to make an informed decision about options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Please stop by the event if you are in the Seattle area. For those who are not in the area, know we are always online to provide you with the information we will be providing at this year’s Breast Reconstruction Awareness day.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day: BRA Day in Seattle
Friday, October 18, 2019
10 am – 7 pm
Glassybaby Bellevue
10203 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98004
For more information contact: tcoutee@diepcfoundation.org
