POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap REVIEWS
DIEP Reconstruction - Portland, OR
ORIGINAL POST
I was diagnosed at the age of 35 with stage 3...
survivor10September 20, 2016
WORTH IT
I was diagnosed at the age of 35 with stage 3 triple-positive breast cancer. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, 28 rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and a complete hysterectomy to follow.
At the time of my diagnosis in 2006, I was reconstructed with silicone implants. Over time my body began forming scar tissue around the implant until it became so painful and tight that I had to have another surgery. My choices were either get new implants and wait for history to repeat itself with more future surgeries, or a DIEP reconstruction using my own skin and tissue to reconstruct my breasts.
After a year of several meetings and discussions with Dr. Cober as he patiently answered all of my questions, accompanied with hand drawn diagrams ? yep after a year I finally had enough courage to do the DIEP reconstruction. This meant I would eliminate any future surgeries regarding implant issues. At the time of my diagnosis my only option was implants, so having another option now was a blessing.
I’m here to let you know that if you’re exploring this DIEP reconstruction, look no further Dr. Cober is the absolute best! He listens and hears what you’re saying, he gives you as much time as you need to comfortably make your decision. He understands the mental process involved. But most importantly he’s experienced and with his knowledge, he continues to make his next procedure even better than the last.
Since my cancer diagnosis, this is the closest I’ve felt to normal in a very long time! I can finally work out my upper body, chest and arms with no pain, haven’t been able to do that for 10 years. I have no more chest pain from my chest muscle being stretched over an implant. I have the warmth back in my breasts since there is now blood flow there again. And I’ve finally been able to complete my second stage reconstruction after ten years with 3-d nipple tattooing by the amazing Mary Jane Haake.
My complete reconstruction is absolutely amazing and I can’t thank Dr. Cober enough. I feel complete again and it has changed my life in more ways than one. I’m blessed to be alive and happy to share my experience with you and I hope it helps you with your decision.
At the time of my diagnosis in 2006, I was reconstructed with silicone implants. Over time my body began forming scar tissue around the implant until it became so painful and tight that I had to have another surgery. My choices were either get new implants and wait for history to repeat itself with more future surgeries, or a DIEP reconstruction using my own skin and tissue to reconstruct my breasts.
After a year of several meetings and discussions with Dr. Cober as he patiently answered all of my questions, accompanied with hand drawn diagrams ? yep after a year I finally had enough courage to do the DIEP reconstruction. This meant I would eliminate any future surgeries regarding implant issues. At the time of my diagnosis my only option was implants, so having another option now was a blessing.
I’m here to let you know that if you’re exploring this DIEP reconstruction, look no further Dr. Cober is the absolute best! He listens and hears what you’re saying, he gives you as much time as you need to comfortably make your decision. He understands the mental process involved. But most importantly he’s experienced and with his knowledge, he continues to make his next procedure even better than the last.
Since my cancer diagnosis, this is the closest I’ve felt to normal in a very long time! I can finally work out my upper body, chest and arms with no pain, haven’t been able to do that for 10 years. I have no more chest pain from my chest muscle being stretched over an implant. I have the warmth back in my breasts since there is now blood flow there again. And I’ve finally been able to complete my second stage reconstruction after ten years with 3-d nipple tattooing by the amazing Mary Jane Haake.
My complete reconstruction is absolutely amazing and I can’t thank Dr. Cober enough. I feel complete again and it has changed my life in more ways than one. I’m blessed to be alive and happy to share my experience with you and I hope it helps you with your decision.
survivor10's provider
Wonderful review, thank you so much for sharing your experience here. If you are comfortable, please share some photos. It would be great for others in the community who are battling breast cancer to see real results from real people.
What was the procedure like for you? How long was your downtime?