Facing a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of breast cancer means making decisions that truly feel life‑defining. Today's guest on the DiepCJourney® podcast, Emily Koellner, knows this experience intimately. With a strong family history of cancer, a mutation inherited from her father's side, and the unwavering support of her two sisters and loved ones, Emily navigated her choices with courage and clarity. Many of you will remember my earlier interview with her sisters about their own prophylactic DIEP flap journeys. Now it's Emily's turn to share her perspective, her strength, and the path she chose.
We begin with a recap of her decision to have reconstructive surgery. Emily shares valuable information with our listeners about surveillance vs. the decision to have prophylactic reconstructive surgery to reduce her risk of getting breast cancer.
We recall the two stories Emily wrote for the DiepCJourney® blog about her decision to have a child after her DIEP flap and the planning and discussion she had with Dr. Ledoux, her surgeon at PRMA about this decision.
You can read Part 1 here: Patience and Persistence: Pregnancy Post-DIEP
Read Part 2 here: Wonder and Happiness: pregnancy Post-DIEP
One of the most poignant statements from one of these blog posts from Emily is:
"I'm celebrating the proactive decision I made to take my health and future into my own hands."
She continues to be a strong advocate in the community and shares a very recent encounter with another patient who reached out to her in a message on social media asking about having a child after DIEP flap. You won't want to miss what she shares.
Emily continued her risk reducing surgeries by having a robotic assisted salpingo-oophorectomy at the request of her gynecological oncologist. She tells us about her recovery and how she is doing now.
Be sure to listen to the podcast with Emily and her sisters Elaine and Eleanor:
Episode 38: Sisters, BRCA 1, Three DIEP flap Stories
Connect with Emily on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymkoellner/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emkoellner
