Lisa's Breast Reconstruction Story
At Dr. Andrew Smith's Orange County breast surgery practice, he is honored to help dozens of women each year reconstruct their breasts and put their lives back together following a breast cancer diagnosis. Lisa is one of those patients, and below she shares her experience firsthand, from the initial diagnosis until her recovery following breast reconstruction.
I remember when the phone rang that day. I was at work, getting my classroom ready for another year with eager and curious fourth graders. I'll never forget the concerned tone in that voice that said, "I am so sorry Lisa, but the tests came back positive." It was almost like an out of body experience. I remember thinking, "Positive for what exactly?" as if I didn't know. Then he said it...the "C" word, and I think my heart just stopped beating right then and there. The emotional tsunami began. I had cancer.
While cancer did run rampant on my mom's side of the family, I was only 39 and this kind of thing just couldn't be happening. I was one of those, "It'll never happen to me" people. Well it did.
Thankfully, I was referred to a fantastic doctor who helped me weigh my options, and very soon it became clear that a double mastectomy was my best chance at living the full life I had planned on. After the decision was made, I was then referred to the plastic surgeon who would be responsible for the breast reconstruction phase of my treatment. Little did I know at the time, it wasn't just any plastic surgeon – it was Dr. Andrew Smith.
After meeting with Dr. Smith and his team, and doing my "background" check of course, my fear started to turn into anticipation and awe. It became very clear to me how educated and professional his staff are, and how confident and compassionate he is. Each phase was explained in great detail and each phase was executed flawlessly, just as it was explained. Most of my breast reconstruction questions were answered before I even had a chance to ask them. The transitions were seamless and never once did I feel like just another blue label on a manila folder, waiting to be put back on the office shelf.
The caliber of his entire plastic surgery team was optimal, but for me it was even more than the care and the precision with which they did their work, it was the positive energy and genuine concern for my well being and happiness that mattered in the end. Each person in that office was there each step of the way cheering me on, and each one was there at the finish line with the same smiles and support I had grown accustomed to since day one.
In retrospect, the entire process was probably one of the most profound, but equally inspiring things that I have ever been through. Having cancer has given me a whole new perspective on life. Words do not really do justice in describing how happy I am with the results of my reconstruction. I still can't get over how natural looking and feeling my breasts are. I am actually happier and healthier than I have ever been and thanks to Dr. Smith and his amazing staff, I get to go right back to doing the things that I love most: Spending time with my family, teaching , exercising, and my myriad of crazy hobbies!
If you are inspired by Lisa's story and would like to learn more about Dr. Smith's Newport Beach breast surgery practice, please request a consultation online or call our office at 949.653.7000 and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
