Stephanie Germino’s Grandmother Aunt, uncle, and mother all tested positive for the BRCA gene for breast cancer. Her mother and grandmother chose to have preventive Double mastectomies with reconstruction. At 27, Stephanie made the decision to get genetic testing. She tested positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation which gave her an 87 percent chance of developing Breast cancer in her lifetime. At 28 she made the choice to get a prophylactic Double Mastectomy without reconstruction, opting instead for an aesthetic flat closure which we will delve into in this episode. Stephanie is an influencer with over 1.5 million followers on TikTok and is using social media to share her story, raise awareness, and educate others to know the many resources that are available to them. In this episode we talk about the importance of genetic testing and counseling, breast implant illness, being a mom, the pushback she received for not having reconstruction, and the hate and vile comments that she gets on social media for people thinking she was transgender. She wants people to know they are not alone and that there is power in the community. To love yourself and your body, and standing up and doing what is best for you. You can find Stephanie at @theebooblessbabe. You can find Amy at @amymarcs. You can find the show at @sexafterpodcast. Sex After is produced by @thechrisderosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.