Episode 31: Project Restored after Breast Reconstruction

The art of microsurgery transcends the work behind surgical loupes and microscopes when a breast cancer patient has breast reconstruction after loss of breasts due to a disease. My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast are two microsurgeons who worked together to create Project Restored

Dr. Ron Israeli and Dr. Jonathan Bank selected several of their patients to participate in this unique artistic endeavor. Our key guest today is one of those patients, Chelsey Pickthorn.

Chelsey shares the story of her diagnosis at the very young age of 33. She has an extensive family history of breast cancer and felt she had a wealth of knowledge. However, when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she tells us she had never heard of it before. Chelsey raises awareness not only for this subtype of breast cancer but also for those with metastatic breast cancer. A year after her initial diagnosis and breast reconstruction, she was diagnosed with metastatic disease.

Her connection to Mollie Sugarman and the Patient Empowerment program brought Chelsey to know she would be in caring and trusted hands with the community that NYBRA had set up. She felt both seen and heard. Chelsey states it is the most important thing in your breast reconstruction decision process.

Chelsey shares, along with Dr. Israeli and Dr. Bank, the poignant moments and process of Project Restored.