Mandy's Journey: Taking Control of Her Health Through Preventative Surgery
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/18/2023
Mandy, Breast Reconstruction Patient at Aspirus Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
In a world filled with
uncertainties, one woman, Mandy, embarked on a remarkable journey to take
control of her health.
Mandy had a family
history with breast cancer, which caused her to start preventative screening at
a young age. She met with professionals that explained paths such as surgical
and medication options.
Mandy recalls, “at the
time, to be honest, I thought that surgery sounded a little invasive for what I
need, and I was really comfortable having the screening every six months.”
However,
as she delved deeper into her medical history, she uncovered a genetic mutation
which started to shift her thinking and, in the fall of 2022, she began
exploring a preventative mastectomy with Elizabeth Renaker-Jansen, DO, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
with Aspirus Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics.
“When I first met with
Mandy we talked about her different options. I explained that with further
testing, we would be able to determine the most optimal course of action for
her based on her results and combined risk factors,” shared Dr. Renaker-Jansen.
In February of 2023,
Mandy had an MRI which revealed a mass in the left breast.
“After
the MRI, I discussed with Mandy what her options would be if the mass was
cancerous or if it was benign. We conducted a biopsy and later that week
discovered it was benign,” states Dr. Renaker-Jansen.
Through the emotional
roller coaster of finding out, it brought her clarification about what she
desired to do about her future.
“Discovering it was
benign was the biggest relief ever, but it also brought me to the conclusion I
was 100 percent ready to have a mastectomy and breast reconstruction,” says
Mandy.
The surgery marked a
significant milestone in Mandy's journey. She says, “I chose to do the
reconstruction after the mastectomy because I really wanted to look like myself
after this was all over.”
Mandy’s journey was
not without its physical challenges, but her extensive research and unwavering
support of her family, especially her loving husband and children, gave her the
strength to overcome. Her family and medical team played crucial roles in her
success. Their support and guidance were instrumental in helping her navigate
the emotional and physical challenges she faced.
“My
family was incredible; my husband and five kids were my biggest support. They
pitched in where they could, and I couldn’t have done it without them,” says
Mandy. “Dr.
Renaker-Jansen was so patient and
wonderful. I felt like I had a million questions, and she and her team were
always happy to answer every single one.”
As she looks back on
her journey, Mandy offers words of inspiration to those who find themselves at
a crossroads. She encourages them to ask questions, seek knowledge, and remain
curious in the face of life-changing decisions.
Mandy says, “If you
are considering breast reconstruction, just listen to your body, ask lots of
questions, and remember to surround yourself with people that love you and
doctors you trust.”
Mandy's journey is a
testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience and
hope.
Plastic surgeons play
an integral role in the comprehensive cancer care of patients and can help
restore what cancer has taken away. To learn more about plastic surgery and
aesthetic options at Aspirus, visit www.aspirus.org/plastic-surgery
or call 715-870-2162.
Aspirus Plastic
Surgery & Aesthetics is located at 1901 Westwood Center Boulevard in
Wausau, Wisconsin with some providers now offering outreach in Rhinelander
and Plover.
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