The following is the real-life story of Kim, a DIEP Flap patient.

To Whom it May Concern:

A story of the excellent care I received surrounding my microsurgical breast reconstruction at Roper Hospital by Dr. Robert Allen using DIEP on January 24, 2007.

On the morning of Tuesday January 23 my husband and I heard the announcement for the 2007 Academy Award nominations while checking into a hotel in Charleston SC. Little did we know that in the next few days our lives would weave in and out of subjects very closely related to the Awards. Today is January 29th and we have already come to know who we would like to give awards for their outstanding compassion, professionalism, and effect that they have had on our lives.

In order of their appearance in our lives the Winners and Awards are:

Deb Fraizer (Dr. Allens Office) - Best Foreign Language
Deb helped with all my questions and got everything straightened out when at the last minute it seemed that all the plans we had made nine months earlier had evaporated. Through it all she spoke a dialect that someone from Michigan would definitely consider a Foreign Language. I must admit that it did/and still does make me feel much younger to be called “baby” and “sweetie” and for that I am grateful.

Dr. Allen – Best Achievement in Visual Effects
I honestly don’t know what I had expected. I think I was hoping for something that might look good under a sweater or sweatshirt. After the surgery I was under a distinct disadvantage of not really being able to see anything but the top as I was lying in recovery. I did think, “Hey, this looks pretty good to me.” But I knew in the back of my mind it might be like when my kids were born. I thought they were cute, when in actuality they looked like cone headed fish, and everyone else was polite and said nice things. But, this was different. Everyone, really everyone, couldn’t stop talking about what a marvelous job you had done. My favorite was one nurse who just gasped and said “WOW”. On top of the technical achievement you’ve made me feel “normal” again, something I had long given up on. And of course your humor and humility make it easy to understand why everyone holds you in the highest regard.

Annie (Dr. Allen’s PA) – Best Picture
Even on days when I have a good hair day, and it’s overcast, and my laugh lines are hidden, and I don’t smudge my make-up, I hate having my picture taken. Chop off my head and take off my shirt and then think about it for a few months and I was trying to figure out a way to disable the camera. But, then there was Annie who was so endearing and enthusiastic that the process was painless.

Roper Hospital – Best Adapted Screenplay
I found out the week before my surgery that I would be the second DIEP procedure performed by Dr. Allen at Roper Hospital. I must admit that it made me a little nervous thinking that maybe opening week jitters would cause some problems. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was in excellent hands and felt like a movie star the whole time there. It was very comforting to know that they had rehearsed, and checked and rechecked every detail. My special thanks to the pre-op director with the great winged eye glasses who spoke with me several times prior to surgery.

The Anesthesiologist – Best Cameo
I only met you briefly, but thank you for all of your care.

Dr. Craigie- Best Supporting Role
I don’t know which stitches I can contribute to you, but I do know you were an important part of the behind the scenes. I also know that you took time on your Sunday to meet with me and answer all of my questions without being in a rush to get somewhere else. Plus you let me be released in time to go to the Oyster Festival!

Ashley in SICU – Best Actress
Ashley I know that I was in-and-out of it when you were taking care of me, but I do remember that your beauty came from within. Your vigilance made it very easy for me to relax and sleep. I will be forever grateful to you for making sure that I was able to have some lozenges to help my sore throat, and that you called me the next day just to find out how I was doing.

Angie – Achievement in Makeup
Angie, this was a toss up between Best Supporting Actress and best at Makeup. You have the absolute best bear hug lift that made it possible to get out of bed that first time, and your fussing over me washing and finding my toothbrush made me feel wonderful. Your attention to details and calling the Doctor just to make sure I wouldn’t have any problems should put you right in the spotlight.

Donna & Kate – Best Costume Design
Ladies, what can I say? I think it was you two who came up with the idea that I should wear two hospital gowns (one front ways, one back ways) so that I could walk the halls in modesty. That rather flowing design resulted in a woman who had just given birth asking when my baby was due. Now, for the last couple of days I had been told how flat my stomach was, so it was a little …. Um … disconcerting. Until the two of you made me laugh hysterically with your suggestions to show off my new physique.
And that is how I will remember my short stay at Roper, filled with laughter, and wonderful people.

Also, thank you to all I have inadvertently missed.

Sincerely,
Kim