Restored

I had breast cancer and a mastectomy in 2007. I had breast reconstruction in 2008 (implant). Immediately I was disappointed. My left “breast” looked like a tight balloon under my skin, and it setting high on my chest. As time passed, my breast became hard and painful. I had to wear heavily padded bras and loose tops to hide my lopsided chest. Swimsuits were extremely hard to find, and I felt so self conscious. In 2018, I started researching procedures to revise the reconstructed breast. I also carefully considered the best doctor for my situation. I had heard about Doctor Baker’s excellent work from friends and other doctors. I knew he was a breast specialist and that he had extensive training in breast reconstruction. So, I called for a consultation and booked an appointment; I was amazed that I had an appointment in less than two weeks. When I arrived for my appointment, I was treated very well; the office staff and the nurses were friendly, caring, and enthusiastic. Doctor Baker was also very cordial and kind. I could tell that he was very meticulous in his work by the way he took so many measurements of my left and right breasts. He showed understanding of my situation, and he was professional and kind. After the examination, Dr. Baker sat down and explained my options, the risks, and the projected outcomes of each. Then he told me to think about everything and to call the office after I decided what I wanted to do. I already knew which option I wanted; I wanted the Latissimus Dorsi flap with implant. I went home and researched the risks. I have never let fear keep me from doing anything, so I called the office and set up an appointment to discuss the procedure. After that appointment, I scheduled my surgery. The surgery took about 7-8 hours because of all the scar tissue that had grown around the old implant. My latissimus dorsi was taken from my back to create a natural looking breast, and a tissue expander was inserted to replace the old implant. Dr. Baker came to see me each day that I was in the hospital; on the day of the surgery, he came two times. His nurse also came by. I was in the hospital about four days. I was kept comfortable, and my pain level was manageable. After I went home, Dr. Baker saw me in his office two times a week for several weeks. Then he saw once a week for a couple of months as they began filling the tissue expander. In addition, I felt could call the office or the on call nurse at any time night or day. Finally, in January of 2019, I had my surgery to remove the tissue expander and have my new implant inserted. For symmetry, Dr. Baker did a breast lift on my right breast and put in an implant. This was done on an out patient basis. Dr. Baker and his staff took excellent care of me, and they were only a phone call away. Now, my breasts are symmetrical. I am no longer self conscious about my appearance. I can wear bras without any padding; I can go into a store, buy a bra my size (36 DDD) and not even try it on. I can wear fitted T shirts and blouses. I can easily find swimsuits, and my breasts even slightly bounce when I walk fast! Everyday, I thank God for Dr. Baker, the gifted, compassionate surgeon who restored my breasts, self esteem, and quality of life!