Until my own diagnosis in February 2021, I was fairly oblivious to the journey of a cancer warrior. That path of unknowns and gut-wrenching terror. The long and winding road of a hijacked life, that can range years to a lifetime. I never knew the anxiety of that life-altering phone call stating, “you have breast cancer.”
Until I did. Until that call came thru my own phone and turned life as I knew it, upside down.
That call, however, brought me to the most amazing team of professional, compassionate, and talented doctors. My surgical oncologist Dr. Maryam Elmi, lead me to PRMA and to my incredible plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Gassman, and his remarkable nurse, Loren Del Toro.
Dr. Gassman and Loren have been a lifeline on this journey full of fear and uncertainties. Thankfully, unlike our predecessors, the diagnosis of breast cancer now brings options and with those options, a multitude of questions. For us lucky ones, ultimately the decision is our own.
“Do I choose the route of a mastectomy? If so, a unilateral or bilateral?”
“Can I have reconstruction? If so, implants or a flap-based? Nipple-sparing or full removal?”
The list continues. These are big, important decisions that only we can make for ourselves. The support of our family, our friends, and most importantly, a highly skilled medical team, is critical to its fundamental success.
In March of 2021, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, followed by an immediate, nipple sparing, DIEP Flap reconstruction, performed by Dr. Gassman. I entered the operating room with breasts and 10 hours later, left it, with new, improved, cancer-free breasts! For me anyway, looking and feeling whole was critical to my long-term outlook and recovery.
Fast forward 18 months, I’ve had two revisions to the original procedure; fine-tuning the size, look and feel of my breasts, along with modifications to my newly created belly button and abdominal scar. I am truly in awe of the body Dr. Gassman meticulously created for me. I look and feel amazing! Through it all, I’ve consistently felt heard, supported, and a priority.
I have scars, both external and internal, that are slowly healing and will ultimately fade. Scars that are a reminder that life on this earth isn’t a guarantee, but, boy, it sure is worth living, especially when faced with the alternative. With the right people in your corner, a WHOLE life after a cancer diagnosis is entirely possible.
Dr. Gassman gave me my life back and restored my dignity. I wear my remaining battle wounds proudly, knowing that I’m still here to tell the tale of my journey. 18 months and 3 surgeries later, I am stronger, healthier, and even more determined to advocate and be the voice of women who are as lost as I was.
Thank you PRMA, Dr. Gassman, and Loren. Thank you for your kindness, your support and your expertise through this chapter of my life. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. May God bless each of you today and always.
That call, however, brought me to the most amazing team of professional, compassionate, and talented doctors. My surgical oncologist Dr. Maryam Elmi, lead me to PRMA and to my incredible plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Gassman, and his remarkable nurse, Loren Del Toro.
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