Thinking of DIEP flap in the Midwest? I had a great experience!

3BoyzMom

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with IDC last year at 43 and ended up with a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction. To be honest, I had never heard of any of the reconstruction options other than implants but I also didn't know much about breast cancer either! I was lucky enough to find Dr. Tiwari and Dr. Kocak of Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery. We met a couple of times prior to my surgery to discuss my options and if I was a good candidate for the surgery. I met their Physician Assistant, Maggie, who also was available for questions. Once I decided to go ahead with the surgery, they did everything to speed the process up and to get me in as soon as possible, knowing that we didn't want to wait and let the cancer spread. They both performed the DIEP flap portion of the 7 hour surgery (having both simultaneously shortened the actual surgery time) along with my breast surgeon who did the mastectomy. They were honest with me about what to expect about the surgery and recovery. I was in the hospital from Monday-Thursday and then at home recovering for about 6 weeks last summer. It seemed like I was in their office every week, and at first, I probably was. But, they were great! They checked on my incisions, my healing, my exercise - making sure I was doing short walks through my neighborhood to help recovery. They called me at home; gave me their cell numbers, in case I needed to contact them; and answered emails almost immediately. (I wondered when they slept! : ) I have read many reviews from ladies who have not been happy with their doctors (and some from women who have been very happy), and I just want to say that I do not regret my decision in having the DIEP flap reconstruction and I do not regret using Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery. I am very happy with my results and with the doctors. They have offices in both Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, so if you are considering any reconstruction with your own tissue, and you are able to get to Cincinnati or Columbus to have a consultation with them, please do!

On another note, I was able to get to know them a little outside of the hospital when I asked them to help with a fundraising project to raise money for a local breast cancer charity (PinkRibbonGirls.org). I asked them to do a photo shoot with me for a calendar that included 11 women across the US who are fighting BC. They agreed immediately and we spent an evening taking pictures in "Kick Cancer" soccer jerseys. We had a blast! (I sent them home with the jerseys I had made and the pink ribbon soccer balls and their kids loved them!) And kind and compassionate Dr. Kocak and Dr. Tiwari, who not only agreed to do this with me, also ordered many calendars for their offices. Together we raised $967.00 for my charity in about a month's time. They are great people and great doctors! : )

No one wants to hear that they have breast cancer and no one wants to go through all that is necessary once you hear those words. But if I had to do it again, given the same set of circumstances, I would!