Breast Cancer Survivor: Reconstructive Surgery Helped Me "Feel Me Back"

RICHMOND, VA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but some doctors are also thinking about the October 17 BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day.

These types of procedures can help many women feel again after surgery for breast cancer.

Sara Arthur received the news that she feared exactly one year ago. It is at this point that the mother of two has been diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of a routine mammogram.

Arthur's cancer was diagnosed early, but she had a double mastectomy because of her family history. His father's four sisters were all fighting breast cancer, so Arthur did not want to take any chances.

On the same day of her surgery in May, she also opted for reconstructive surgery.

"I absolutely wanted to do reconstructive surgery," said Arthur. "I am still relatively young and I really wanted to feel once the process was over."

These are the stories that Andrea Pozez, president of the Plastic and Reconstructive Division of the VCU Massey Cancer Center, often tells.

Pozez said reconstructive surgery was restoring the patient's best.

"It may be with an implant or may not acquire an implant. It may be to move their tissues from one anatomical place to another, "explained Pozez.

To help women learn about their options, VCU Massey Cancer Center is organizing a BRA day to connect women with support groups and other women who have already undergone surgery.

The first-ever Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, hosted by Virginia, Virginia, will take place on October 17th at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For more information, call 804-402-5006 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

On the 6th of the month, CBS 6 and VCU Massey Cancer Center remind women to contact their partner to remind them to have a monthly breast self-exam. If time permits, you should also schedule an annual breast examination and a mammogram, which are essential for early detection.