53 Yr Old Breast Cancer Estrogen & Progesterone Positive Her2+ Bilateral Mastectomy & Breast Reconstruction W/TE - San Antonio

On Sept. 29, 2014 I was diagnosed with an aggressive Breast Cancer that is Estrogen & Progesterone Positive HER2+. My 1st oncologist appt. was on Oct 6, 2014 with Dr. Gladys Rodriguez. From that moment on my life has been changed. I immediately got on the internet looking up Breast Cancer, mastectomy and different types of breast reconstruction surgeries which led me to breast reconstruction plastic surgeons. Originally I wanted to have a physician from the PRMA group do my mastectomy & reconstruction because they do thousands of DIEP Flap procedures every year and I really wanted to use my own skin tissue to have my breast reconstruction done, however PRMA was out of Network for Humana POS. After surrendering myself to the fact that I would not be able to have a DIEP Flap, at least not in San Antonio, I consulted with 3 different plastic surgeons within my insurance's network. Dr Earl Ferguson was my 1st consult and he told me he didn't do DIEP Flaps procedures with the office he currently works at (Dermsa). He also said he thought I would be a good candidate for that procedure. He knew if I chose that route he would not be my surgeon. I politely thanked him and told him "who knows, I may be back in the future for a cosmetic procedure." I knew he was genuine and a great plastic surgeon so my my gut instinct told me Dr. Ferguson was the ONE but I needed to be sure I did all my homework and consulted with at least 2 more plastic surgeons before making such a life altering decision. The Breast Cancer diagnosis had already changed my life so much and this surgery was going to change not only my life but my appearance and self confidence too. I waited 3 weeks to make a final decision. From the moment I consulted with Dr. Ferguson, I knew in my heart of hearts, this doctor was the right choice for me. Dr Ferguson was very informative, professional and answered our many questions repeatedly without getting annoyed. He has a warm and caring bedside manner which is hard to come by these days. I never felt like just a number. His Dermsa offices @ La Cantera and Stone Oak are both modern and beautiful. I was a 36-38 "D" before my surgery. On April 3, 2015, my oncology surgeon/Dr. Morton Kahlenberg and my reconstruction plastic surgeon/Dr. Ferguson did my double mastectomy . They did a phenomenal job! My oncology surgeon/Dr. Morton Kahlenberg allowed Dr. Ferguson to make the initial incisions at which point Dr. Kahlenberg removed all the breast tissue. During the double mastectomy Dr. Ferguson implanted the TE (Tissue Expanders) to stretch my skin slowly and then he closed the incisions. I actually had a little cleavage when I awoke after surgery due to the TE. Last week, Sept 17, 2015, was my final surgery. Dr. Ferguson removed the TE and replaced them with implants. My old bras (36D) still fit! Yeah! Those Victoria's Secret bras are expensive and I hated the idea that I might not ever be able to wear them again. My final step will be my nipple tattoos. Dr. Ferguson did a wonderful job and I am blessed to call him "my surgeon". I know what is most important in life is your health and it is. Although this may seem vain to some women, I am a women who likes to feel sexy in her own skin and who has always taken pride in her appearance, I am not a person who leaves the house without makeup or getting dressed-up first. I am slowly growing by hair back after multiple chemo treatment and currently save time on having to do my hair. Lol! I am so incredibly grateful and thankful to God and to my doctors, Dr Earl Ferguson, Dr. Gladys Rodriguez and Dr. Morton Kahlenberg. Your eternally grateful patient, Pearl Valadez