POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Flap REVIEWS
Saved After a Long Road Through a Double Mastectomy, Radiation, a Bad Infection, Latissimus Flap & Finally Gummy Bear Implants!
ORIGINAL POST
I truly felt saved after being in Dr. Gabriel's...
AllSmiles67November 16, 2015
WORTH IT
I truly felt saved after being in Dr. Gabriel's wonderful hands! After 5 surgeries (with 2 other surgeons), a very bad infection and major complications to follow, I very fortunately found Dr. Gabriel. I walked into his office in tears, feeling like a monster and so hopeless after all I had been through, and was greeted with compassion and the willingness to take on my difficult case. I didn't know how I'd end up but was already so thankful with the new optimistic feelings that I had left that appointment with. Though I was still extremely scared and had some doubt, his warmth, honestly and confidence lifted my spirit and I felt like there was now a chance of feeling more 'normal' again. I had hope again!
My journey with him has taken about 2 years but being patient was so worth it. I'm so ecstatic with my results! I still can't believe how far I've come and that I'm even the same person when I look at my photos! This man is truly a blessing. He's so talented....an expert in the field (leading in procedures and technology), extremely caring, compassionate, calming, reassuring and patient...not to mention, a perfectionist! He also checks in on you after you've gone home after a surgery as well as will answer any calls with questions or concerns...at any hour! And his team is truly remarkable as well! I've felt like part of the family since day one. They all provide their open-armed assistance as well. It's amazing! I never once felt like a nuisance or a burden with all of my questions. They were all always happy to help as well as ease my mind.
As far as my procedures go, he ended up performing a latissimus flap surgery and put in gummy bear implants at the same time (still had an expander on the right side). After that, I had multiple fat graftings and some minor 'nip and tuck' procedures. And then finally, nipple reconstruction! I've also just completed my second round of tattooing and I couldn't be happier!
He has saved me. I went from not being able to stop crying or look in the mirror at myself to gaining my lost confidence back and wearing a bikini on my last vacation! I owe him and his team SO VERY MUCH!! I'll be forever grateful! He is a surgeon god!
PS - I just had an appointment with him (11/16/15) and cried a couple of times.....but these were tears of joy this time! So thankful for the work Dr. Gabriel does and the person he is!
My journey with him has taken about 2 years but being patient was so worth it. I'm so ecstatic with my results! I still can't believe how far I've come and that I'm even the same person when I look at my photos! This man is truly a blessing. He's so talented....an expert in the field (leading in procedures and technology), extremely caring, compassionate, calming, reassuring and patient...not to mention, a perfectionist! He also checks in on you after you've gone home after a surgery as well as will answer any calls with questions or concerns...at any hour! And his team is truly remarkable as well! I've felt like part of the family since day one. They all provide their open-armed assistance as well. It's amazing! I never once felt like a nuisance or a burden with all of my questions. They were all always happy to help as well as ease my mind.
As far as my procedures go, he ended up performing a latissimus flap surgery and put in gummy bear implants at the same time (still had an expander on the right side). After that, I had multiple fat graftings and some minor 'nip and tuck' procedures. And then finally, nipple reconstruction! I've also just completed my second round of tattooing and I couldn't be happier!
He has saved me. I went from not being able to stop crying or look in the mirror at myself to gaining my lost confidence back and wearing a bikini on my last vacation! I owe him and his team SO VERY MUCH!! I'll be forever grateful! He is a surgeon god!
PS - I just had an appointment with him (11/16/15) and cried a couple of times.....but these were tears of joy this time! So thankful for the work Dr. Gabriel does and the person he is!
AllSmiles67's provider
Replies (10)
January 11, 2016
Thank you! This happen to me 9/1/15. How long did you wait after the infection to start over. Thank you for giving me hope.
February 20, 2016
Hi trying to decide on this surgery, Lat back but so scared of the back muscle cut? Scares the poooo out of me lol how does your back and chest feel any weird nerve stuff? ugggg soooo much stuff on the web. What size r u now or gummy size he used? my skin is thin and radiated not sure if I could be ur size? Im 5'4" 150lbs would looovveee ur advice & thxs for sharing xoxo
February 22, 2016
Hello! I was very scared too but my surgeon gained my trust. And I knew that I couldn't give up, even with everything that I had already been through. I wanted to be able to feel good about myself again. So, I took a leap of faith!
My skin was/is thin too. That coupled with all my past complications, Dr. Gabriel was extremely careful every step of the way. I don't have any nerve issues but am of course, less sensitive due to the mastectomies. I was also concerned about my strength and range of motion with my arm. You'll need physical therapy for that and the scar tissue. Even to this day, I have to stretch that side frequently because it gets tight (and always feel better after I exercise), but I think that part of that is due to the radiation. It takes patience and work, but compared to what you've already been through, I have faith that you can do it! For me, it was worth it and I'm so happy that I did!
Oh, and I'm a full C or a D, depending on the bra!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
My skin was/is thin too. That coupled with all my past complications, Dr. Gabriel was extremely careful every step of the way. I don't have any nerve issues but am of course, less sensitive due to the mastectomies. I was also concerned about my strength and range of motion with my arm. You'll need physical therapy for that and the scar tissue. Even to this day, I have to stretch that side frequently because it gets tight (and always feel better after I exercise), but I think that part of that is due to the radiation. It takes patience and work, but compared to what you've already been through, I have faith that you can do it! For me, it was worth it and I'm so happy that I did!
Oh, and I'm a full C or a D, depending on the bra!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
February 21, 2016
Your pictures are fantastic and a completely truthful testimony to the skill of a master plastic surgeon! Dr. Gabriel is not only a gifted surgeon, but his overwhelming compassion for women in this circumstance and his passion to restore a woman's confidence and feelings of worth and normalcy after breast cancer are rare in this industry. He is such a treasure to those of us who have been blessed to be under his care. Your results are truly amazing, but I'm not at all surprised to see how great you look when I know you're working with an exceptional master in this field! Congratulations on your "new normal" and all the good things that come out of finally feeling good about the way you look!
February 22, 2016
Thank you, so much! And congratulations to you as well! I read your comments and your words brought back so much! Such a testament to Dr Gabriel. It truly shows that he is so compassionate and that he treats all of his patients with the utmost respect and care. He's amazing!!!! So happy that you've had such success and feel great again! It's such an important part of this journey!
October 17, 2017
Hi, Your story is similar to mine; double mastectomy in 2015 then chemotherapy, radiation, infections, skin splitting open, and to date already three surgeries. I am now facing the latissimus flap surgery. I have so many permanent side effects from my cancer treatment that the thought of having more pain or discomfort in my back makes me extremely nerves. Do you have any pain in your back, discomfort, or physical limitations due to this latissimus flap surgery?
What a wonderful, heart-felt and uplifting review, thank you for sharing your experience! You look amazing and you sound so happy!
Is this part of your journey complete or are there other procedures still to do?
I have one more tattoo session and then I think this part will be done. The chemo, radiation and all those surgeries have taken a bit of a toll on my left side so I'm now Really focusing on stretching and getting back into shape. Next chapter.....down the road of continued health!