About this episode

Emily Koellner shares her journey and decisions regarding prophylactic surgeries to reduce breast cancer risk.

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® podcas t, 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…

People in this episode

Host: Terri Coutee

Guest: Emily Koellner

Topics covered

• prophylactic surgery
• breast cancer
• genetic mutation
• reconstructive surgery
• patient advocacy

Keywords

• breast cancer
• prophylactic surgery
• DIEP flap
• genetic mutation
• patient advocacy

More episodes of DiepCJourney Podcast

• Episode 97: Exercise That Supports Healing · April 8, 2026 · 24 min
• Episode 96: Breast Sensibility: The Mind/Body Connection · March 25, 2026 · 37 min
• Episode 95: Where Passion Meets Surgical Precision · March 11, 2026 · 33 min
• Episode 94: A Breast Reconstruction Journey Toward Clarity & Confidence · February 25, 2026 · 40 min
• Episode 93: Navigating Healthcare as a Patient Advocate · February 11, 2026 · 42 min
• Episode 91: A Message of Kindness, Gratitude, and Courage · December 30, 2025 · 11 min

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