Christine

Christine has been married to her wonderful husband Mark for 40 years. Together they have four children and one granddaughter. Three of her children serve in the United States Air Force. Christine is a registered nurse.

She was diagnosed in February 2021 after her yearly mammogram with Stage 1 ductal carcinoma, and underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction with Dr. Derek Cody. Christine’s sister had breast cancer eight years before she was diagnosed, and Christine knew then if she got cancer she would have a double mastectomy. At the time of her surgery, her hope was to successfully remove her cancer, and ultimately she wanted breasts that were more natural looking and feeling. Although her reconstruction journey was long and complicated, she now has an implant in the left breast and a DEIP Flap reconstruction on the right breast.

Christine advises other women facing a cancer diagnosis that their decisions regarding reconstruction are theirs. She is very happy with her final outcome, and acknowledges that it is a big decision. “You need to try and stay positive, and ask questions until you feel comfortable with your decision,” she shared.

Christine chose to walk the Pink Runway because her journey was rough and long, and if she can make it through, others can too! If she can inspire or help one other woman with breast cancer it was worth it!

Christine thanks her husband Mark for all his support. “This was just as hard on him as it was on me, watching me going through all of these surgeries. I had a wonderful support system, which I think is so important to getting through this process.  Thank you to my family, friends, and co-workers – and of course, Dr. Cody and his staff!”