“I'm astonished. I am amazed at how Dr. Smith was able to create another breast for me from nothing. ”

Carmen’s journey with breast cancer began in 2018, when a mammogram revealed cancer in her right breast.

“It was sad. I was in shock. I was in disbelief. I was thinking things were just getting good for me. And now, is this it? Is this the end of life? Is it over?”

Her treatment plan included a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and Carmen also knew that she wanted breast reconstruction.

A trusted and longtime physician referred her to Dr. Smith.

Carmen initially chose implant reconstruction because she was hesitant about a DIEP flap procedure. She also didn’t have much abdominal fat to use as donor tissue.

So a tissue expander was placed at the time of her mastectomy, and she had a breast lift on the left side so that her breasts would be symmetrical.

However, Carmen’s skin did not accept the tissue expander. Prior radiation related to Hodgkins’ lymphoma in 1987 had made her skin too thin. In December of 2019, the expander was removed.

But after circling back and discussing it with Dr. Smith and his team, Carmen felt reassured about the safety of the DIEP flap procedure. She was excited to have a reconstructed beast made from her own tissue. Although she didn’t have much fat, Dr. Smith was able to take tissue from her hips and stomach.

Carmen had her DIEP flap procedure in December of 2019, followed by a revision in July of 2020 to make sure that she was truly symmetrical.

Is she happy with her results?

Carmen found the power of prayer helpful during her breast cancer journey. She also found talking to people who had been through her same experience was a major help. “I joined a support group. It really helps to speak to other patients that have gone through it. This journey and my team of doctors have made me want to be an advocate for others.”

Throughout the reconstruction process, Carmen turned to Dr. Smith and his team for help. Even when abnormal cells were found in her other breast, she was able to rely on Dr. Smith’s team to help guide her through next steps and offer emotional support.

“Dr. Smith is level headed and consistent, always striving for perfection, yet creating realistic outcomes that exceed expectations.”