“Don’t put your doctor on a pedestal and be your own advocate,” says Chiara D’Agostino.
Chiara, a former high school Italian teacher, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time at age 43. After undergoing chemotherapy, two single mastectomies and reconstruction she eventually found out her breast cancer had progressed to stage four.
Chiara learned to never stop asking questions. “Your doctor isn’t God, and believe it or not, they don’t have infinite knowledge.” Chiara has become part of something called the “flat movement” and which is dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors embrace their bodies. Even if you end up losing your breasts. You are still you.
This article originally appeared in SurvivorNet.