Tara
Tara is 45, and has one daughter and a granddaughter. She has worked for eight years at Echoing Hills Village, Inc. as the Corporate Transportation Supervisor. She is very grateful for her work and her work family. In her spare time, Tara likes motorcycles, car shows, going to festivals, and spending time with her family – especially her granddaughter!
Tara found a lump in her breast long before her diagnosis. A mammogram was ordered, but Tara feared facing the results, and delayed a long time getting it done. However, she finally went in and her first mammogram in March 2023. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Adenocarcinoma in April 2023.
Prior to her reconstruction surgery, Tara and Dr. Yoho talked in depth about what was most important to her. As a mid-40s single woman in today’s dating scene, trying to maintain any shred of self-confidence was important to her. Tara hoped for as much normalcy in her reconstruction as possible, which included saving her nipple. Her reconstruction journey included a nipple sparing surgery, then a right breast mastectomy, a tissue expander surgery, removal of the expander and implant reconstruction surgery, and finally a nipple reconstruction.
Tara advises women to always get your well checks and exams done when you are supposed to. “Always ask questions, and do what is best for you,” she says. “All of our situations are different, and treatment plans are not universal. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.”
For Tara, walking the Pink Runway gives her an opportunity to tell a little of her story, and a chance to meet other women that have been through similar situations. “I am beyond grateful and incredibly thankful I have had Dr. Yoho from the beginning of my diagnosis. Dr. Yoho’s compassion, kindness, and perfectionism are like no doctor I’ve ever had before. To say I appreciate him is an understatement. I am very thankful to him and to all of the Crystal Clinic team.”