@beingjules26

BRCA1 Gene Alteration

Surgery details: Preventative double mastectomy with DIEP Flap reconstruction. Underwent a second, corrective surgery due to complications.

“In August 2021 I had a double mastectomy with DIEP Flap reconstruction after discovering I carried the BRCA1 alteration back in December 2017.

 

Unfortunately, the surgery was not successful and I spent four days in intensive care. With my type of surgery, there was a percentage chance that the abdomen tissue would not take to the chest tissue and this is what happened to me. The blood flow stopped working and was not pumping properly. This caused a drop in my blood pressure and complications.

 

By October 2022 I had fully recovered, and had a second reconstruction surgery using hip tissue and body fat. This was successful and has now left me with two matching breasts.

I don’t regret my decision to have the surgeries, because even now, I know it was the right thing to do for me.”