DIEP Flap Patient Testimonials

“It’s okay that you have breast cancer, Mom,’ my little boy said to me. ‘My friend at school says as long as you don’t have tumors it will be okay.’ Being diagnosed with breast cancer is daunting and overwhelming and I quickly realized that knowledge is power.

“So, having a choice in breast reconstruction empowered me. One of the key factors in making my decision was that I wanted my femininity back. I also wanted to return to the active lifestyle I previously enjoyed. I’m very athletic and very competitive.

“Thankfully, I didn’t have to look very far. My surgeon referred me to Dr. Ferguson who described each type of procedure that was available to me. He presented the clinical facts of each surgery and offered his recommendation. But ultimately, the choice was mine. He also let me know if I was overwhelmed or changed my mind at any time, that it was okay. He supported me 100% in whatever choice I made.

“My skin was so severely damaged by radiation that implants were painful and didn’t heal. The DIEP procedure used my own tissue and my own blood vessels and proved to be a better option for me. I was nervous about the length of the surgery and I was also worried about having a scar on my stomach. But, I knew Dr. Ferguson was meticulous about his work and I knew he would carefully preserve my abdominal muscles so I could keep up with my boys.

“I couldn’t be more impressed with the results. When I returned to my oncologist he said, “Wow, this is the best surgery I’ve ever seen.” I knew I felt good and I knew I liked the way my body looked. But, to hear another doctor say he was impressed really meant a lot to me.

“It’s been a long haul, but at the end my goal was to maintain my active lifestyle. I’m proud to say that I plan to participate in my first triathlon since my diagnoses this coming summer. And, I plan to finish faster than my husband!”

“As the mother of four boys, we are an active family. We enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and just having fun. In May 2008, I was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma. I immediately had a lumpectomy, and then 4 rounds of chemo followed by 5 weeks of radiation. Though the lumpectomy really changed my shape and size, I decided that I wouldn’t do any type of reconstruction.

"Then in May 2010, I was again diagnosed with ductile carcinoma on the same side. This time I was determined to go as far as I could to remove the cancerous tissue and elected to have a double mastectomy. This time, I also looked for breast reconstruction options.

"I consulted with several physicians and I am so glad that I found Dr. Ferguson. He is amazing. At first I was nervous about the scope of the DIEP procedure and chose to go with expanders during the mastectomy, with plans to replace them with implants at a later time. Dr. Ferguson was very committed to allowing me to choose but informed me that the implants may not work because of the radiated tissue. While we were in the process of gradual expansion preparing for implants, the incision on my radiated side would not stay closed and wouldn’t heal. So, I made the decision to undergo bilateral DIEP surgery.

"The surgery went well for me and wasn’t nearly as tough as I had worried that it might be. I left the hospital in 4 days, and have continued to recover quickly. During this entire process I have been so impressed with Dr Ferguson. It is clear that he loves what he does. He knows what he is doing, pays attention to detail, and cares about his patients.

"I already look and feel so normal and I am very happy with the results. The DIEP procedure spared my core muscles so I can continue to be active with my family. I hope that other women who are faced with breast reconstructive surgery will know that they have options, that it is okay to ask questions, and that the most advanced treatments are available right here in Utah. My experience was better than I could have imagined.”

“Part of beating breast cancer is feeling like you are the same or better than before you were diagnosed. For me, it was important to have my own tissue used in breast reconstructive surgery. I didn’t want foreign objects permanently placed in my body. I didn’t want to carry the scars of cancer.

“I appreciated that Dr. Ferguson listened to me. He is passionate about the work that he does and is completely meticulous in getting the very best possible outcomes. He walked me through all of the options that were available to me and then he helped me choose a surgery I was comfortable with.

“I appreciated that I was unconscious during most of the “sad part.” In other words, I was able to have the mastectomy and the DIEP breast reconstruction in one surgery, so I never had to see myself without my breasts. By the time I woke up, I felt like I was already on my way to healing.

“My advice to other women is to look far ahead to where you really want to be in 3 to 5 years. While a DIEP procedure may take a little longer initially, it offers some pretty remarkable outcomes. Now when I get up in the morning and step out of the bath, I look good. I feel whole. And, I know I really did beat breast cancer.”