Episode 38: Sisters, BRCA 1, Three DIEP flap Stories

My guests on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast are three sisters, all of who have a BRCA 1 genetic mutation, and all of whom had DIEP flap breast reconstruction at the same surgical practice, PRMA, Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates, in San Antonio, Texas. This is also the surgical practice I had my DIEP flap performed by Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo in December of 2014.

Elaine, the youngest of the three sisters, lead the way being the first to have her prophylactic DIEP flap with Dr. Peter Ledoux. After finding she tested positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation, she completed her surgery in late May of 2017. While she was in recovery, her sister, Eleanor, the oldest of the three, had her prophylactic DIEP flap two weeks later with Dr. Chet Nastala.

I met Emily, the middle sister, while we both lived in Tucson, Arizona. Emily traveled to San Antonio in 2017 to help her sisters out during their recovery. After we sat down together in Arizona in 2018, it was in June of that year Emily decided to move forward with her DIEP flap with Dr. Ledoux. Her story is especially unique in that she planned a pregnancy after her DIEP flap. She shares the beautiful story of the birth of her young daughter after her DIEP flap.

This is perhaps one of the most emotional, delightful podcasts I have recorded. We talked about so much we had in common, especially our ties to PRMA. All three sisters are advocates for those who carry a genetic mutation placing them at a high risk of getting breast cancer. They share their story and what others can do to mitigate their risk of getting breast cancer.

Links on Facebook can be found here:

Eleanor Ryder 

Emily Koellner

Link for LinkedIn Account:

Elaine Murray