Meet Dr. Erica | Host of the Breast Cancer Rehab Youtube Channel
Tell us a brief summary of your diagnosis
"I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma at 43 years old. Once the pathology report came back after surgery, I found out the cancer spread to 1 lymph node."
Tell us a brief summary of your surgical journey
"I had a skin-sparing double mastectomy and had tissue expanders placed during the same surgery. I did radiation and then 1 year later I had my exchange surgery where tissue expanders were swapped out for implants."
Tell us a brief summary of your decision to undergo surgery
"I immediately knew that I would do a double mastectomy. I considered MANY factors, but the decision came quite easy given all of the stress at the time. I have no regrets. I was just as decisive knowing that I wanted reconstruction, and I opted for implants. I had many conversations with my plastic surgeon about the placement of my implants - I wanted over the muscle as I'm really active and have a physical job. Unfortunately, during surgery my plastic surgeon determined I wasn't a candidate, so they were placed under the muscle."
What is something that you would like others to know about recovery?
"Recovery is not linear! There are many ups and downs along the way. The side effects of treatment were frustrating (cording, lymphedema, radiation fibrosis, pain/tension, etc) - not just the symptoms, but more the lack of guidance in managing them. I did a deep dive researching how to address these side effects and tested them all on myself."
"Recovery is not linear! There are many ups and downs along the way"
"With everything I learned, I started a YouTube channel (Breast Cancer Rehab) to pay it forward to other thrivers...as I can't be the only one experiencing this! I also learned that for many women, including myself, true recovery begins when treatment ends. That means that you may not feel like yourself for a while. Setting these expectations can be helpful - not only for you, but also for those around you. This is especially important when people congratulate you on finishing treatment, yet you still feel like you're in the thick of it."
If there was one thing you would like the community to take away from your story, what would it be?
"The importance of finding an outlet to help you navigate treatment and the transition into survivorship. For me, that outlet was exercise. I worked out throughout my treatment (modified of course!), and it helped me feel more like myself during a time that was anything but normal. Outdoor walks with friends and journaling were also key - they gave me space to process and reconnect."
If you could describe AnaOno in one word, what would it be?
"Authentic."
Tell us your favorite AnaOno bra
"Monica- perfect fit for my reconstructed breasts (implants)."
