Dr. Casselith Has Been the Silver Lining of My Cancer Experience

Dr. Cassileth performed my One-Stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Implants following (or in tandem with) my double mastectomy performed by Dr. Richardson. I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer a few months ago and originally opted for a lumpectomy with radiation as my treatment. Having known many women who have had mastectomies, I couldn't imagine putting myself through such a radical procedure, with multiple surgeries and extensive downtime. I was also afraid that my post-mastectomy scars would be a painful reminder of my cancer every day for the rest of my life. When Dr. Richardson explained that she worked with Dr. Cassileth to perform a nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, I decided to meet with Dr. Cassileth to learn more about the procedure. From the minute I met Dr. Cassileth, I knew I was in the best of hands. She told me that she thought my breasts would look even better after my surgery, and that the recovery is much easier (and far less painful) than I had expected. I tend to be a skeptic, but Dr. Cassileth quickly came across as a perfectionist who sincerely wanted me to look and feel great, and that she would make it her personal mission to make sure that would happen.

I had the surgery about 10 days ago, and I never imagined I would look and feel THIS good. The surgery and recovery so far have gone exactly as Dr. Cassileth said it would. My drains and bandages were removed just 5 days after my surgery. The first time I looked in the mirror, I genuinely smiled for the first time since I received my cancer diagnosis, and I haven't stopped smiling since. I am practically pain free, other than some pain near the sides that can easily be treated with a couple of Advil. I spent about 5 or 6 days after the surgery in bed, but after that, I've been able to get out of the house every day, and I can easily dress myself and move around. My friends and family are all shocked by my easy recovery. The best part is that I am thrilled with the way I look, even this soon after the surgery -- and once I'm completely healed, I know I will look even better.

I want to make sure to make a couple of very important points:

First, Dr. Cassileth's entire staff is first rate, attentive, and compassionate, especially her nurse, Carolee. I have felt supported and safe every step of the way.

Second, I can say with 100% certainty that I would not have gone through with a double mastectomy if I had not been so impressed with Dr. Cassileth's technique and demeanor. My doctors felt comfortable with the lumpectomy/radiation option, so the double mastectomy was an optional procedure for me. This is especially significant in my case because the post-mastectomy biopsy revealed that I had a second small tumor in my breast that none of my many scans had shown. I would not have discovered the second tumor at such an early and treatable stage if I had opted for the lumpectomy because it was in an entirely different part of my breast. So, I can't thank Dr. Cassileth enough for saving my life (and for making me look great at the same time!)