Unexpected Complications: Facing Infection After Breast Reconstruction

Breast cancer diagnosis and reconstruction timelines are extremely variable. You and your team may need to make adjustments as events unfold. That was the case for Rosa, who joined us for a powerful conversation alongside her surgeon, Dr. Elly Bucholz, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and her patient. The pair dove into Rosa’s unexpected breast cancer diagnosis and the decisions she made along the way. Together, they walked us through her journey—from a routine mammogram to mastectomy to reconstruction—and the unexpected complications that followed.
Dr. Bucholz and Rosa shed light on what it was like to navigate sudden changes in a treatment plan, the way infection impacts breast reconstruction, and why it is essential to advocate for yourself at every step. The discussion also underscored the importance of clear communication and quality doctor-patient relationships in navigating these types of obstacles.