Since her diagnosis in 2017, breast cancer survivor Carol Stockmaier has undergone a double mastectomy and several breast reconstruction-related surgeries. Because of health complications, she ultimately decided to have her silicone implants removed in 2020.
Thanks to advances in breast reconstruction, Carol was a candidate for and underwent a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction in 2021, which used her own tissue for reconstruction.
Looking back on her journey, Carol offers this advice to empower other breast cancer survivors: “When it comes to breast reconstruction, that decision is yours as the patient. Do your research; understand all of your options. And don’t feel pressured to make a reconstruction decision before you feel fully informed and comfortable with your choice. There are pros and cons to each option.”