A Breast Reconstruction Timeline

Many times readers want a broad overview of diagnosis to breast surgery recovery. What does this look like in someone else? While we can’t generalize, Tina Ruark-Baker has chosen to share with us her breast reconstruction timeline.

Tina is a previvor who chose a prophylactic double mastectomy after testing positive for the CHEK2 BRCA mutation. For Tina, this felt like choosing life over death.  Facing a family history of breast cancer and her own high risk, she decided the preventative mastectomy was right for her.

Tina’s story speaks to a lot of what we stand for at ITC: our right to informed decision-making, ownership over our own journey, and the life-changing power of community and support along the way. The snapshots of her timeline leading up to and through her mastectomy and breast reconstruction recovery remind us that this truly is a journey. It touches each part of our lives. Many thanks to Tina for sharing her experience with such openness, honesty, and humor!

Consultation and the Road to Surgery – December 2016

On December 21, 2016, my husband and I met with Dr. Tara Hudson as a consult to review my options. Dr. Tara had performed three melanoma removals for me in 2016. I’d only known her as my melanoma surgeon, but we’d connected on such a wonderful level. When I found out that her specialty was breast/plastic surgery, I was overwhelmed with joy! We decided to book the surgery for one year out. Because I didn’t have cancer, I didn’t have to fight the clock so aggressively. The year allowed me time to get my body in shape for the surgery. Both my husband and I joined Orange Theory Fitness and lost about 60 lbs. in that year.

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To hear about Tina’s journey in more detail, check out our podcast interview with her!