I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age thirty-nine in September of 1996. One of my earliest concerns was the thought of being single, young, and disfigured. The day after my lumpectomy which had been performed on an out-patient basis, I found myself in the office of Dr. Robert J. Allen. I knew that a modified radical mastectomy and lymph node removal would be performed one week later, because the cancer had spread beyond the lump. My breasts were small to begin with, so the lumpectomy had dramatically altered the appearance of my left breast. It reminded me of the photographs of "natives" that my cousins and I had discovered in the pages of my great aunt’s copies of National Geographic during childhood; however, the sight of a drooping breast was not a laughing matter at my present age! I opted to have reconstructive surgery at the same time as the mastectomy.

Breast cancer is a shocking diagnosis to receive, and it meant that a lot of decisions had to be made quickly on matters about which I had little first-hand knowledge. While waiting to see Dr. Allen, I read a brochure that explained the procedures he employed. I immediately liked the idea that my own tissue would be used in the reconstructive process. Dr. Allen and his staff were extremely compassionate, as well as encouraging. I still refer to his office as "the happy place", because I truly felt that the reconstructive surgery was a positive step. My entourage at the first appointments included my parents and sister-in-law. Sandy, the receptionist, welcomed us with a bowl of assorted candies in brightly colored wrappers and gave my mother the T.L.C. she needed, as she watched her child face a life-threatening illness. Clare, who is Dr. Allen’s surgical tech nurse, was always present to answer my questions and offer genuine moral support. By the time I met Dr. Allen, I knew that I was in the right place. He spent two and a half hours with my family and me at the initial appointment for which I am forever grateful. His calm manner eased our numerous apprehensions. I was and continue to be impressed by his knowledge and ongoing education in the area of reconstructive breast surgery. It instills tremendous confidence which is a vital part of a patient’s successful recovery.

The best results occur, when reconstruction is performed at the time of the mastectomy. Also, I knew that I would feel better psychologically, if I woke up with a breast as opposed to waiting to have plastic surgery at a later date. It is a long operation, but I would make the same choice again. The various nurses and doctors who cared for me during my hospital stay constantly commented on a job well done which lifted my spirits. Because I did not have enough abdominal tissue, mine came from my left buttocks (the GAP Flap). The incision was well above the point at which the upper thigh and buttocks come together, so I never experienced a lot of pain while sitting. The other benefit is that I do not see the scar, unless I twist my head around to view it. I wore my most abbreviated pair of panties to my appointment with Dr. Allen the day before the surgery; thus, his careful markings meant that no one sees the "war wounds", when I wear bathing suits. My other scar is around the nipple which enables me to sport any neckline without worry. While swimming or participating in other physical activities, there is no concern that a prosthesis will suddenly float past me or fly out of clothing!

I have nothing but exultations for Dr. Allen and his staff. On a weekly consultation with a radiologist during the treatment phase (my doctor was not in that day due to an emergency) the attending physician asked me, if my nipple had been saved which I consider to be the ultimate compliment to Dr. Allen’s and Clare’s expertise with nipple reconstruction and the tattoo. A subsequent remark by a different doctor was, "Jesus, it’s amazing what they can do!"

Perhaps, these comments seem a bit crude to an outsider, but they make me feel like my body is a work of art as aptly expressed by Dr. Allen and his staff at our first meeting.

Another service extended by this office which was highly beneficial was the introduction to another patient who had gone through a similar experience at about the same age. Initially, I declined Clare’s offer, but I am thankful that common sense returned between Friday and Monday, propelling me to request a mentor. The night before my surgery, I phoned a young woman who soon alleviated my fears and who kept in touch with me throughout all phases of my treatments. We remain friends to this day. The chain continues unbroken, as I now enthusiastically help patients who are referred to me.

by Wendy K.
03/22/98