Events > You have options: Breast reconstruction decisions

You have options: Breast reconstruction decisions

Understanding your treatment when diagnosed with breast cancer can be complex and overwhelming. Additionally, you are faced with making decisions about breast reconstruction, when, what type or even if you want reconstruction. While this is a very personal choice, we want you to have the information you need to help you make your decision.

Event details

During this free, 75-minute webinar hear from a panel of women sharing their breast reconstruction choices. Panelists include Sylvia Morrison and Ginny Shudlick. Ask your questions and hear from plastic and reconstructive surgeon Joseph M. Serletti, MD, FACS who will share how they help patients understand their options, including when to have the surgery – immediate or delayed, as well as aesthetic flat closure.

ASL interpreting was offered during the live webinar.

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About our speakers

Amy Battaglia

Amy was diagnosed with stage III, ER positive breast cancer in both breasts just a few weeks shy of her 45th birthday in 2021. Her treatment plan included eight rounds of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy with lymph node removal and expanders, implant exchange surgery, and finally 25 rounds of proton therapy. Amy now takes tamoxifen daily. She is focusing on regaining her strength and mobility after treatment.

Sylvia Morrison

Sylvia Morrison was first diagnosed with stage II invasive ductal carcinoma in November 2010 at the age of 48. She underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and radiation. When Sylvia experienced a second breast cancer diagnosis in 2019, she decided against chemotherapy and instead opted to have a bilateral mastectomy followed by reconstruction.

Joseph M. Serletti, MD, FACS

Joseph M. Serletti, MD, FACS is the Chief of Penn Plastic Surgery and is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with expertise in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery. He is a pioneer in the field of free flap autogenous breast reconstruction using the most advanced reconstructive microsurgery techniques.

Ginny Shudlick

Ginny Shudlick was diagnosed with stage I invasive ductal carcinoma in 2019 when she was 41 years old. She opted for a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. After wanting her body to heal from active treatment, Ginny decided to forgo breast reconstruction and now lives happily as a flat woman.

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