Deciding to choose flat reconstruction can be a difficult and an emotional roller coaster. The optimistic women on this panel share reasons they chose flat reconstruction, how it affected their self-image, how it impacted their relationship, and the changes to their daily lives.
Elaine Gonzales, CN-BA, CHW, CHWI
Community Educator
Breast Cancer Resource Center
Elaine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and reached out to BCRC for support. She joined the staff of BCRC in 2012 as a Bilingual Patient Navigator. In 2019, she transitioned to Community Educator. In her role, Elaine coordinates public, professional, and community breast cancer-related educational programs. She holds a BS in Mathematics from Texas State University. Elaine is a Certified Patient Navigator through the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute, a Certified Community Health Worker and Instructor through the Texas Department of State Health Services and received CN-BA credentialing through the National Consortium of Breast Centers.
Chandra Xiong
Breast Cancer Survivor
Chandra Xiong is a first-generation Hmong woman who was born in a refugee camp during the Vietnam War. She grew up in a close-knit community in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and then moved to Texas, by way of California, in 2010. In 2018, Chandra was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent treatment. She is thankful to her whole medical treatment team, as well as her family, friends, and peer support groups who helped her to get to her current stage of being a survivor.
Nanette Labastida
Metastatic Breast Cancer Thriver
Nanette Labastida is a metastatic breast cancer thriver in Austin TX. Her initial diagnosis was in 2010 and she was treated with chemo and underwent a bilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction. In 2019 she had explant surgery with aesthetic flat closure and is a strong advocate for choice in the reconstruction space. In 2022 she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer and now supports other survivors through her cancer coaching and yoga 4 cancer classes. She also works full time as a Realtor and enjoys vegan cooking, yoga and traveling to Mexico for yoga retreats!
