44 Yo BRCA1+ Prophylactic Double Mastectomy with Reconstructive Surgery - Melbourne, AU

I am 44 years of age and just after my 39th birthday I was diagnosed with breast cancer (grade 3). Had a lumpectomy and axillary clearance, following by 6 months of chemo and then radio. Was then tested for the BRCA gene and came up BRCA1 positive. My breast surgeon, Caroline Baker (who, by the way is amazing!) recommended I proceed with a prophylactic double mastectomy. Initially I was reluctant to do so as I believed I had beaten the disease and given I was so well during chemo etc, I wasn't afraid to go down that path again if there was ever a need. In any event, Ms Baker referred me to Damien Grinsell, Plastic Surgeon. From the first meeting I felt extremely at ease with Damien and we discussed at length the surgery. I then decided that this was the right course of action so I proceeded with the prophylactic double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (using my tummy fat to create my breasts). The surgery really was a breeze and my recovery was only hindered by some non healing of my tummy wound but that had nothing to do with the amazing surgery performed by Damien - I was just a little unlucky to get an infection. Anyway, 12 months on, nipple reconstruction and a revision of my original tummy scar, I am absolutely over the moon with the amazing outcome. Damien Grinsell is a leader in this type of breast reconstructive surgery and I cannot recommend him (and not to mention his lovely staff) enough. I have posted just a couple of pictures - the upper left image is after my first tattooing session not long after the nipple reconstruction. The bottom right image is after the second tattooing session. I am a golfer and am back to playing even better golf now!
Again, I can't recommend highly enough Damien Grinsell. Not only is he so highly skilled, he has a lovely manner and I always felt that I was able to ask as many questions as I needed and he always ensured that I received the answers to my questions in a way that was easily understood (not just using a lot of medical jargon that I wouldn't have understood). Thanks very much Damien, you've literally changed my life! :) :) :)