269. Beyond One and Done: The Realities of Surgery and Reconstruction with Veronica Novy

Six years ago, Veronica shared her powerful story about preparing for surgery—a conversation that quickly became one of the most-downloaded episodes in SBC history. Today, she returns to reflect on her journey, her many surgeries, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The early days of diagnosis: how a mobile mammogram outside her job led to a life-changing discovery.
• The ups and downs: from a cold doctor delivering the news without compassion to the challenges of medical transport gone wrong.
• Surgical decisions: why she chose a single mastectomy, her experience with implants, and ultimately her deep flap reconstruction.
• The realities of reconstruction: expanders, drains, scars, revisions, and what no one tells you about the process.
• The emotional toll: navigating fear, shame, and the weight of making decisions as a single woman with limited support.
• Wisdom gained: why asking the right questions, putting yourself first, and letting go of blame are critical parts of survivorship.

Welcome to the conversation. 

Veronica's first podcast,  Mastectomy Recovery Tips:https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/podcast/episode/c112012f/60-mastectomy-recovery-tips-what-i-wish-i-had-known-or-interview-with-veronica

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