Page 31 - Plasticos-magazine-7

My background in education lent itself well for whatever surgery is chosen after mastectomy.
to segue into the work as a patient advocate.
Counseling other women and men who had been The Foundation is able to connect patients with world
diagnosed with breast cancer and seeking options class microsurgeons who see patients through their

for breast reconstruction felt comfortable and reconstructive procedures. A variety of questions are
purposeful. Via various social media platforms, I answered daily. The Foundation answers questions
began to connect not only with patients, but the including how to find a surgeon, planning for travel

medical world and those who cared for women or recovery after surgery, the emotional component
and men diagnosed with breast cancer. of adjusting to all the surgical scars and new feelings
of their body, and how they celebrate their life after
Now, each day, I speak to these people and diagnosis, living beyond their reconstructive surgery.
counsel them. Providing evidence-based

information became my top priority. Patients It is my life’s passion. These is no greater satisfaction
can be misguided with information on social and joy than to be able to share what I learned
media that is not backed by science. I am able through two very difficult times in my life, surviving

to do this because I have the incredible support breast cancer twice and having successful breast
of other healthcare providers who have taken a reconstruction surgery. I am grateful each day I can
keen interest in this community of people I serve do this work. My legacy are my two grown adult
through DiecCFoundation. As a collective group, sons. I hope by living my life of purpose and passion,
we all want the best possible patient outcomes it will reflect in their own lives and the lives of others.

31 VOL 7, 2021