On May 19 of this year, Dr. Moore was able to remove her tumor along with three of her ribs part of her collarbone and a portion of her right lung. I assisted Dr. Moore with removal of the tumor as well as with reconstruction of her chest wall. Fortunately, with some of the newer techniques available for reconstruction, we were able to preserve Julie’s breast and chest wall and allow her to retain her beautiful athletic figure. She spent 10 days in the hospital but was quickly back into the pool and working out just one month after the surgery.
Julie did end up undergoing a secondary surgery after she somehow managed to break one of the titanium plates that were used to reconstruct her chest wall while swimming. A second short surgery to remove the titanium plates did not slow Julie down. She was able to return back to the pool and participate in the swim across Americas Atlanta Open Water Swim. As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, it is always rewarding to be able to see patients through a difficult and arduous cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery. Julie also runs performance rehabilitation and integrative sports medicine business that includes physical therapy, Pilates, and sports medicine. It is great to see that Julie will be around for a long time to share her story with other patients and inspire them.
Gregory J. Mackay, M.D., F.A.C.S.