Breast Cancer Survivor. Toronto, ON

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer for which the protocol consisted of lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. I had preferred to avoid radiation and asked my surgical oncologist if I could, instead, undergo a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. He advised against that and asked me to reconsider. I will not go into detail, but can summarize that I saw several specialists over the period of several months in order to find a surgeon who would agree to perform the mastectomy. I consider that time the most difficult in the year of treatment - going from doctor to doctor to find one who would agree to remove my breasts. I had researched Dr Jugenburg, a plastic surgeon, and was very impressed by his philanthropic work with breast cancer and his efforts in raising awareness for reconstruction. I made an appointment and saw him within days. He not only accepted me as a patient, he advocated on my behalf and arranged for a surgeon to perform the mastectomy. He went into some detail about the reconstruction and reassured me when I asked about the possible complications. He was a great sport when I mentioned that one of his colleagues rated his own (not Dr Jugenburg's) complication rate lower than anyone else's. He used that as a segue into reassuring me that all would be well, and all was well. My surgery involved removing all breast tissue and inserting implants immediately afterwards. Dr Jugenburg saw me before the surgery and followed up the following morning. I attended the hospital several times after that to have the nurses remove bandages, drainage tubes, etc and saw Dr Jugenburg on every occasion. He was efficient and answered my questions each time, although the hospital clinic was always crowded and delays were inevitable. I also saw him at his private clinic, where wait times were excellent. Now, for the results: The entire year of cancer treatments and follow-ups was difficult, but being seen by a plastic surgeon whose work regularly involves elective procedures made that part of the year seem like treatment at a spa. For a while, I was no longer a cancer patient. I was told my breasts would not look natural. Wrong. They are gorgeous. The scars are fading and I have now tattooed areole. The other doctors in my treatment team have also stated that the reconstruction is very well done, one specialist going so far as to say that this was among the best reconstructions he had seen. The staff: I am grateful to the nurses, the desk staff, and the doctor. During a very difficult time, they were always available, encouraging and understanding. Kim, the head of nursing, answered all my questions and encouraged me to see Dr Jugenburg if I felt the need, and she arranged for me to see him. I believe I attended the clinic four times before surgery, and Dr Jugenburg made himself available to me on each occasion. He encouraged me to carry on with my decision in my treatment and facilitated this for me. I cannot thank him and his staff enough. Dr Jugenburg takes great pride in his work and showed me much compassion throughout the period before and following my surgery. Although he was booked solid each time I attended his clinic, on each occasion he listened to my concerns and sought to reassure me. My experience is one I would rate 10/10.

I've been able to download pics.