Green Bay Patient Details Breast Reconstruction Journey
A local woman shares her experience with DIEP flap reconstruction following a double mastectomy in 2025.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cancer
Sonya Messenger, a mother of three, underwent a double mastectomy and subsequent reconstruction at Aurora BayCare in late 2025. She opted for DIEP flap surgery to restore her physical appearance after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in December 2024.
Why it matters
The choice between implant-based and tissue-based reconstruction significantly impacts a patient's recovery and long-term emotional well-being. This case highlights how autologous tissue transfer can provide a preferred alternative for those seeking a natural result after cancer treatment.
The surgery involved transferring skin, fat, and blood vessels from the patient's lower abdomen to the chest. This autologous approach was completed by paramedical tattooing to recreate a natural nipple appearance.
The players
Sonya Messenger
She is a patient who underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after receiving cancer diagnoses.
Aurora BayCare
This is a medical facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that provides specialized surgical and oncology services to the local community.
The details
Messenger prioritized using her own tissue to avoid silicone implants while regaining her confidence as a cancer survivor. The process concluded with specialized medical tattooing to finalize her physical reconstruction.
Timeline
2023: Messenger was diagnosed with renal cancer.
December 24, 2024: Messenger received a breast cancer diagnosis.
Late 2025: Messenger underwent breast reconstruction surgery at Aurora BayCare.
October 2026: The patient reached over a year post-surgery.
The Big Picture
This surgical approach follows the standard of care for breast reconstruction in patients requiring mastectomies. It illustrates the clinical evolution of using autologous tissue transfer to improve physical and emotional outcomes for cancer survivors.
Patients navigating breast cancer recovery have distinct choices between implant-based reconstruction and using their own tissue. Understanding these options with medical providers helps survivors make informed decisions about their physical reconstruction and long-term comfort.
The takeaway
Choosing a reconstruction method is a deeply personal decision that balances surgical complexity with emotional goals. Patients are encouraged to discuss all tissue-based and implant options with their medical team to determine the best path for their recovery.
Further reading
Read more about recent developments in Cancer care and patient recovery options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFRV-TV Channel 5.
