Jim Koenigsaecker

Photojournalist

Sandy's Breast Reconstruction

Location: Sacramento

Nationality: American

Biography: Jim Koenigsaecker dedicated the first 10 years of his adult life to newspaper journalism. He worked his way up from a copy boy to an editor, but, his passion was always photojournalism. During the glory days of newspapers, Jim covered everything... read on

Sandy Holden in the bathroom of her home in Westwood, California. Sandy had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy after being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Like many women Sandy did not realize that breast reconstruction surgery was covered by insurance after a mastectomy. Sandy eventually looked into that option because it made her sad to see her scars in the mirror every morning.

Sandy Holden keeps a picture of herself before breast cancer with her son Jimmy Lopez and daughter Shania Lopez on her phone.

Sandy Holden and her daughters Tymika Lopez, left, and Shania Lopez, right, in a motel in Sacramento, California the night before Sandy’s breast reconstruction surgery. Sandy is thankful for all the support she has had from her family and friends during her fight with cancer.

Sandy Holden and her daughters Tymika Lopez and Shania Lopez in their car in a motel parking lot in Sacramento, California. Sandy lives in Westwood, California, a small, remote town hours from the nearest doctor, so she has spent countless hours driving back and forth for medical care.

Sandy Holden had the word hope tattooed on her arm after being diagnosed with cancer.

Dr. Michael Wong marks up Sandy Holden before her breast reconstruction surgery at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Sandy Holden holds her daughter Shania Lopez’s hand just before Sandy’s breast reconstruction surgery at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Dr. Charleston Chua, left, Dr. Heath Charvet, center, and Dr. Michael Wong, right, perform Sandy Holden’s breast reconstruction surgery at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Surgeons perform Sandy Holden’s breast reconstruction surgery at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Dr. Michael Wong comforts Sandy Holden after her breast reconstruction surgery at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Sandy Holden and her daughter Tymika Lopez react after seeing the results of Sandy’s breast reconstruction surgery at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. Sandy says it makes her feel whole for the first time in years and that she is looking forward to moving on with her life.

Dr. Michael Wong shares a laugh with Shania Lopez in a waiting room at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. Dr. Wong had just completed a breast reconstruction surgery on Shania’s mother, Sandy Holden.

Dr. Corey Bascone examines Sandy Holden during a post-operative appointment two weeks after Sandy’s breast reconstruction surgery at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. This is a work in progress so check back for updates.

Dr. Michael Wong examines Sandy Holden's reconstructed nipple during a post-operative appointment at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Sandy Holden enjoys a cup of coffee and a laugh with her family in the kitchen of her home in Westwood, California after Sandy recovered from breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery.

Sandy Holden and her daughter Tymika Lopez at Lake Almanor near Sandy’s home in Westwood, California. Sandy and her family enjoy going to the lake but Sandy felt awkward going there after her mastectomy until she had breast reconstruction surgery.

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Public Story

Sandy's Breast Reconstruction

Copyright jim koenigsaecker 2021

Date of Work 10/04/19 - 10/27/20

Updated 01/09/21

Location Sacramento

Archived as Black and White, Cancer, Documentary, Editorial, Health/Healing, Hope, Journalism, Photography, Photojournalism

Sandy Holden bravely shared her story and these pictures during Breast Cancer Awareness Month because like many women she did not realize that breast reconstruction surgery was covered by insurance after a mastectomy. When Dr. Michael Wong at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California asked me to help raise awareness of this option for women I eagerly accepted the pro-bono commission. Sandy and her family then graciously welcomed me into their lives during this obviously sensitive and difficult time.