NEW LONDON (NBC26) -- Folks across the country will recognize National BRA Day or Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day this week.
A woman from New London is bravely sharing her story of surviving breast cancer and her recovery.
In November of 2018, Kathy Lamb received devastating news.
She was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma of the right breast.
"I think I just stopped breathing," said Kathy Lamb.
She underwent three surgeries -- two lumpectomies and finally a mastectomy.
"She was so glad we did it because there was more cancer and she said it was absolutely the right choice," said Lamb.
With overwhelming support from her family Kathy also made the choice to start reconstruction.
"It's a huge part of intimacy in a relationship and marriage," said Lamb.
Doctors said breast reconstruction can provide significant physical and emotional benefits for women.
"I stood in front of the mirror and it was just really hard to say I won't look the same or I won't look the way I used to," said Lamb.
There is a federal law that mandates insurance coverage will be provided for anyone wanting to go through breast reconstruction after cancer treatment
"We know patients do a lot better if they understand their rights," said Dr. Elizabeth O'Connor, a plastic surgeon with BayCare Clinic.
Doctors said reconstruction can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
"If we had to pay out of pocket it probably would have made a difference in our choice," said Lamb.
Kathy said she feels better than she did before her diagnosis.
For the next 3 years she'll go in every 6 months to get checked with an MRI or mammogram.
She looks forward to traveling and a new granddaughter coming in January.
You can support BRAS Day by attending the B.R.A.s of the Bay event in Green Bay on Thursday.
Breast cancer survivors will announce the winners of the bra decorating contest.
The bras will then be raffled off.
All money raised at the event will benefit the Ribbon of Hope Foundation which serves people with breast cancer in Northeast Wisconsin.
The event starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Badger State Brewing Company.
