As the patient liaison here at PRMA I am blessed to walk alongside a lot of our patients during their breast reconstruction journey. Although I am not able to journey with them all, I do make it a point to jump in to celebrate with these sweet women at their final stage (the micropigmentation) by taking their “Breast Reconstruction Graduation” photo. This is always a sweet moment for me as I capture their joy in the form of a picture as they stand proud in a hot pink cap and gown! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting and celebrating with one of our patients—Darlene.
Let me just start by saying Darlene’s joy is purely contagious! As soon as I walked into the room, my heart felt full as I helped her jump into her pink graduation gown for her photo. We began to talk about her journey. She shared with me her breast reconstruction experience with the DIEP flap, how happy she was to have been directed to the “artist” Dr. Arishita and PRMA, and how she couldn’t wait to help others who are about to begin their passage in restoring what cancer took away, even if it just meant “lifting her shirt up.”
I asked Darlene if she would be willing to share her story with the world in the hopes of encouraging other women considering breast reconstruction, and of course, she was on board!
Watch below as Darlene shares her story of victory and how she joyously transformed into a beautiful butterfly. (Caution…her laughter is contagious!)
Author: Courtney Floyd
Watch as Darlene shares her story of victory and how she joyously transformed into a beautiful butterfly after breast reconstruction surgery. (Caution…her laughter is contagious!)
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A Joyous Journey Through Breast Reconstruction
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Anonymous
Dar, So proud of your growth and the grace you have shown towards this journey. Love the video and letting yourself be free…
Anonymous
Dar, May God always be with you. Your strength is unreal and I truly believe you will help so many others with this disease. You are truly a butterfly
Anonymous
Dar, your love, joy and peace is what has made you strong, so proud of you sharing your journey with us all! I too was diagnosed with cancer, just completed my radiation treatment. I also have that deep peace, love and joy going thru this trial. God has been my strength through it all! You’ve spread your butterfly wings and touching many lives…..even mine very deeply! Can’t wait to see you and hug you! Thanks for sharing your journey of hope with us! Lots of love dear couz!
Anonymous
Precious Dar, You are not only strong, courageous and inspiring (and that’s on an ordinary day), but your faith is contagious. I am so proud of you and love you even more for sharing your very personal journey. Your artistry goes beyond your God given talent for painting; you are an artist of life. I am extremely blessed to have you as my friend.