On September 4, 2012, I underwent the DIEP Flap reconstruction. The results are better than I’d expected. I feel good about myself, especially knowing that it’s all me. No artificial implants. I like to say that PRMA gave me back what Cancer stole from me.
I made PRMA part of my healthcare team because of their proven record of accomplishment, reputation in the community and the plethora of information provided on their website. I looked at every picture, watched every video, and read every bio on their website. That gave me the hope and confidence I needed to move forward.
After an unsuccessful lumpectomy, I was told the dreaded news, you need to have a mastectomy on the right breast. The thought of removing my breast was devastating! I quickly “googled” everything I could on breast cancer and reconstruction.
When I returned home I went online to the PRMA website and was amazed by the before and after pictures and actually found a picture of a woman who looked just like me and I could not get over how great she looked one year later.
On June 17th I had my DIEP flap reconstruction. I was in the hospital for a week and was given the intensive care that I needed and didn’t have any complications. Even though the recovery process was tough, I have no regrets. I think having a positive attitude is crucial when dealing with any form of cancer.
I felt compelled to write and let you and your staff know how very pleased I was with the care I have received since last February.
That’s when I heard about another procedure called the DIEP flap. That stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator. In this procedure very little – if any – muscle is removed. The perforating vessels, along with the overlying flesh, are removed – but the muscle is left in place. The recovery time is quicker, but the surgery is much more involved, and it takes a microsurgery expert to perform it.
When I was told I had breast cancer, I was transported to a different planet. I went from wife, daughter, sister, counselor, and friend to double mastectomy and plastic surgery patient and ultimately, a breast cancer survivor.
Getting breast cancer is not usually considered a gift but maybe getting the right treatment for it is a unique kind of gift.
I had my One-Step with Alloderm in November 2012 with Dr. Chrysopoulo. I traveled from Oklahoma City.
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