Anyone seen Dr. Toni Zhong re: Diep?

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Katalin
Katalin Member Posts: 230
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hi all,

I'm wondering if any of you have seen Dr. Toni Zhong at PMH in Toronto?  I was able to get in to see her very quickly because she's new in Toronto.  She seemed nice, said she'd done many many Dieps in NYC...lost most of her photos in a computing disaster.  

I've got a double Diep planned for April 28, 09, with Dr. Hoffer helping her. 

Hope to hear from you! 

Cheers,

Kat 

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited March 2009

    I didn't know that PMH brought someone else in.  That's great, because they are always so backlogged.  I'm afraid I can't help with your question though - I had my surgery there back when Dr. Lipa was still around.

    If you don't get any answers here, since Dr. Zhong is new to Toronto, you might want to post the same question in the Reconstruction Forum because there may be some NY women there who've had reconstruction done by her.

    Good luck with the DIEP.  I hope that you love the end result!

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited March 2009

    I met with Dr. Zhong in January.  Unfortunately I can't have a tram flap due to having my abdomen radiated after ovarian cancer.   She suggested the surgery where they take the fat from your butt but this surgery is 10 hours long and 20% failure rate, etc.  So I'm going for the latissimus with implants.

    I really liked her.  She seems very knowledgable.  I could have had my surgery in Jan but was still exhausted from just finishing herceptin and decided to wait until the Fall.  My surgeon who did my bilat mast said that I should wait two years and that would be in the Fall.

    Good luck.

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  • Katalin
    Katalin Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2009

    Thanks, Beesie, good suggestion.  I'll do that...and thanks for the good wishes!

    Barbara, good luck with your recon!  We're on our way!

      

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  • Sosmom
    Sosmom Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2009

    I am having my immediate reconstruction done by Dr. Zhong. I am scheduled for April 17th.  Dr. Zhong also does the one-step alloderm as well - so it is good to have another plastic surgeon with DIEP and Alloderm experience in Toronto / Canada.  Dr. Zhong did not feel I qualified for alloderm because she did not think there would be enough skin left after mastectomy. She recommended I go with TE and take the time to ensure I get the size I want. 

    When I saw Dr. M. Brown, he thought I was a candidate for alloderm, but with no guarantees; he would try it, but he said I could wake up with an expander.  I was also worried if he did go ahead with alloderm, the size might not be as large as I would like.  Though I wanted to get it over with quickly, I don't want to chance it that I would be smaller than I want.  So I decided to go with Dr. Zhong.

    Though Dr. Zhong is young, she has impressive experience and awards (as Beesie posted on another thread).  She also quickly noticed things about my breast that others did not point out, ie. my lumpectomy scar slightly pulls my nipple to the left (and most likely would have pulled it further if I decided to under go radiation).  She also noticed that my right (healthy) breast was slightly higher than the left.  She said she would make the pocket for the left match.  She also recommended the size of 120cc - 150cc for my right breast augmentation so I end up a healthy B cup. 

    She took a lot of time with me during my consultation and even booked the general surgeon appointment for me and started her OHIP paper work even before I agreed to have the procedure done with her.  She wanted to make sure that if I made the decision that everything would be in place and there would be no delays.  I also like that Dr. Zhong returns phone calls personally and her secretary Michelle is great too.

    I am not looking forward to the recovery, but I feel I am in good hands with Dr. Zhong.

    Good luck on your reconstruction!

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  • busybee1
    busybee1 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2009

    Hello ladies,

     I had my right breast reconstructed by Dr. Toni Zhong in December and I am thrilled with my result.  She only began seeing patients in November and I was her third DIEP patient since she started at Toronto General Hospital.  She did her specialized training in New York City, in one of the largest and busiest cancer centres there.  My reconstructed breast looks amazing and so does my tummy.  She saw me in the hospital everyday after the surgery and was so pleasant and lovely each time.  I cannot say enough nice things about her and her team of residents and fellows.  I really felt like I received the best care possible.  I would highly recommend her to anyone thinking about having DIEP surgery. 

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  • Katalin
    Katalin Member Posts: 230
    edited April 2009

    Sosmom, thanks for responding!  I also had good feelings about her....very lovely manner.  I hope your reconstruction goes well.  I'm a bit apprehensive of undergoing this surgery, but I think it will turn out all right.  When are you going in?

     Busybee1, waow!  I'm so happy things turned out well for you...Is that lovely pic your newly reconstructed breast? Thanks for this, it's reassuring.  She told me she has a great team of nurses at Toronto General, which is reassuring after a two pretty dodgy experiences with my two mx at Mount Sinai. Are you having stages 2 & 3 done?  My dear sister has offered to take a week off to be with me after surgery.  I wonder if you could recommend that she stay with during days at the hospital, or is the care good enough that I can save her help for when I get home? You're the only person I know who has gone through this at TG.  Take care!

    K 

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  • Sosmom
    Sosmom Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2009

    Hi Katalin,

    My surgery is in 2 weeks - April 17th.  Talked to Dr. Zhong and I am going to have tissue expanders with alloderm now; should allow for more fill on surgery day and less pain.  I am going to have the surgery at Mt. Sinai - not my first choice of hospitals, but that was the location with earliest date for me. 

    Good luck with your surgery!  All the best with your recovery.

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  • Katalin
    Katalin Member Posts: 230
    edited April 2009

    Hi Sosmom,  I see now in your original post you said your date was April 17....duh!  I didn't know about alloderm, and just did some research on it now....it's amazing what they can do!  I hear what you say about Mt. Sinai....hopefully you won't be there long!  Good good luck to you and I hope you have a speedy recovery too!

    Cheers,

    K 

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  • Katalin
    Katalin Member Posts: 230
    edited April 2009

    Via Beesie, here's a link to her bio....

    http://www.surgicalspotlight.ca/Article.aspx?ver=Winter_2009&f=NewStaff

    My surgery has been postponed from April 28 to June 16.  I guess this means I'm going to miss recuperating to the endless pongs of tennis balls in the French Open on TV....sad....

    Cheers,

    K 

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited April 2009

    I was very excited to see this post as I wasn't aware of Dr. Zhong. I did call her office and she has only a 1 month wait to see her, unlike some of the other PS who make you wait for a full year just for a consult. As far as I know there are only 2 docs in Toronto doing DIEP. If anyone has had DIEP in Toronto, would you be willing to talk to me about the experience? Helen

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  • foatboys
    foatboys Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2009

    Katalin, I think I'm in a similar situation, I am a patient of Dr. Zhong's and I've been bumped again...this time September (beginning of March, May 12, June 2nd and now September 15th (hopefully)....wondering what date you have?  How are you preparing now for the surgery?

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited July 2009

    I saw Dr. Brown and he said that the tram flap won't be a good procedure for me so he has referred me to Dr. Zhong who he recommended very highly to do the DIEP. She's away for the summer but I have an appointment with her at the beginning of September. I'm in the middle of radiation now so will have to wait before having DIEP but hoping to have it next summer. I'm so pleased to read all the positive things about Dr. Zhong. I also hear good things about Dr. Hofer who also does DIEP. Dr. Brown told me that Dr. Lipa is coming back to Toronto. It's about time we had several excellent PS in Toronto who can perform a variety of reconstruction procedures. I'll be watching this thread so I can learn from you ladies who will be having reconstruction ahead of me.

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  • Katalin
    Katalin Member Posts: 230
    edited July 2009

    Foatboys,  I'm sorry you're being bumped---did she say why? I was told it was due to other patients needing to be looked after first:  that cancer surgery patients needing immediate reconstruction come first, and that's okay by me.   

     I have done a complete re-think about this, strangely enough because I have been feeling sooooo good!  I don't recommend this to anyone else, but I've gone off my meds, for now, no longer taking tamoxifen or arimidex, and the result is I feel like a million bucks.  The thought of willfully putting myself into that recovery situation is too much to bear, so I've postponed to April 2010.  Will I still want to do it then?  I don't know.  This will sound crazy but I was in Buenos Aires for 6 weeks and I found a lot of clothes that made me feel fabulous, even with prosthetics, not schlumpy and fat.  Since I stopped the meds I dropped 10 lb. which also makes me feel more like my pre dx self.  I also can't afford to take the 2 months off right now because I was off work for those 6 weeks and spent a bit too much on clothes!  Hence:  the postponement.  I hope you get in soon!  Keep in touch!

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited July 2009

    Katalin, I'm supposed to start Tamoxifen next week ..... what kind of side effects did you have? I put on 20 pounds with chemo......I hate to think that the Tamoxifen will add more.

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  • Katalin
    Katalin Member Posts: 230
    edited July 2009

    Hi Helen, I did pack on a bit, maybe 15lb. with tamoxifen, felt sluggish, that gross discharge...but everyone's different, so don't go by me!  There are some good threads here on tamoxifen, one called something like "L'il ol' bottle of tamoxifen" so you can get a lot of info and support there.  I did tamox. for 2 years, and not sorry, but the other stuff, arimidex was really hard on me.  Within 2 weeks, I felt like I had arthritis.  Back, arms, joints.  I have a physical job, and couldn't handle the sfx.  But everyone's different.  My mother is on arimidex and notices NO side effects.  So don't assume the worst for any of it.  You may be one of the lucky ones with zero or few side effects.  Wait and see!  And you have to trade off the benefits vs. risks.  GOOD LUCK!!!

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited July 2009
    Thanks for the advice, Katalin. I will check out the other thread. At this point I can't afford to put on any more weight - I have to lose what I have put on during chemo.
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  • foatboys
    foatboys Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2009

    Dear Katalin,

    So glad to hear that you are feeling ok.  I haven't been taking any post chemo drugs, because they have none for me.  I'm tripple negative, so there is nothing besides chemo for me.  I had radiation in 1984 for hodgekins so I'm not even eligable for that again either.  I'm high risk for a reoccurance and that's why I'm having a double diep.  I had the left side mastectomy in 2007 and the prosthesis has been fine, except for freezing during a ski trip. 

    I am still looking forward to having the diep over and done with.  I was told that an emergency came up and I asked for clarification on what deemed someone an "emergency".  Dr. Zhong called and said that when someone's only option is surgery and no followup drugs (ie chemo) are given, they push those people ahead. I told her that I was concerned and didn't want to be one of her emergency cases, because I'm at such a high risk. 

    I gained almost 20 lbs with the chemo, everyone around me seemed to be losing weight...not me and my toast, I just packed on the pounds. 

    Hope all is well...thanks

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  • Katalin
    Katalin Member Posts: 230
    edited July 2009

    Hi Foatboys,

    I can understand that you're looking forward to having that op done and over with!  A frozen prosthetic while skiing!  Well, look at the bright side, you were skiing, and that's a pretty fabulous thing!!

    I hope you get your new date soon.  It's a bit disconcerting how they bump...I guess the good news is that they don't consider you to be at super high risk, but you should keep pushing...ask to be put on a back-up list, in case anyone cancels.  They must have cancellations occasionally, since at least one (me) did exactly that!

     I'll have my fingers crossed for you, wishing you all the best!  (Keep in touch!)

     Cheers,

     Kat 

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited September 2009

    For you Toronto and area women -- looks like the University Health Network is establishing a major focus on breast reconstruction for us. If the docs at Women's College can't do what we need then we are being referred to UHN and Drs. Zhong and Hofer. What a wonderful group of people. I met with Dr. Zhong yesterday and she was amazing!!!! I will go back in 3 months so she can monitor my healing from the rads. And then we'll decide how to go forward.

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  • Carolyn2008
    Carolyn2008 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2009

    Hello All,

    I am also a patient of Dr Zhong I have a tissue expander in  one the left side only and will be going to have the exchange done in Nov with allergan I will also be having a implant on the other breast has anyone had this done and any info on the implants would be very helpful

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  • foatboys
    foatboys Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2009

    Hi Katalin,

    I'm all done!  Surgery was September 15th.  I can't say enough good things about Dr. Zhong, she's amazing.  I don't know how she does, what she does, but she's amazing!  I'm still on the mend and fighting with my abdominal binder...but all is well.  I walk as slow as a turtle and a little stooped forward, but it's getting better with each passing day.  The day after surgery I asked myself "what did I do?", but after the shock wore off, things are getting better and looking great!

    Hope all is well with you!

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited October 2009

    I'm following your progress foatboys as I will be with Dr. Zhong as well. I was very impressed by her. What procedure did you have? I'm going for a DIEP. I appreciate any advice you have for me.

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  • Sosmom
    Sosmom Member Posts: 17
    edited October 2009

    Carolyn2008,

    I just had my exchange with Dr. Zhong on Sep 23.  I love her, and find her to not only be an excellent surgeon, but a wonderful listener.  My left breast had the DCIS and the implant I ended up with was the Allergan, anatomically shaped one.  On the right side was a round Natrelle implant - she said she tried many different sizes and this was what gave the best symmetry.  Everyone is right, the final implants are way better than the TE, it is actually soft; and so far does not feel cold.  However I got very bruised and swollen, so still waiting for the left side swelling to go down and for the implant to drop (fluff?).

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  • Mantra
    Mantra Member Posts: 968
    edited October 2009

    I'm seeing Dr. Zhong on October 29th to talk about booking a surgery for the exchange. I haven't met her yet because a different Dr., in a different city, did the tissue expanders. I've heard such great things about her and am looking forward to meeting with her.

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited October 2009

    Hope your meeting with her goes well. I found her to be very, very nice.

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  • Galguppy
    Galguppy Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2009

    I met with Dr.Zhong October 7th and like the others in this forum I was very impressed.  She agreed that I am indeed a candidate for the DIEP reconstruction.  I was to hear back from her office after November 2nd, 2009.  I did not hear from them.  When I did finally call the number given to me, the recording asked that I leave a message and my call would be returned as soon as possible.  In the past 3 weeks I have left 2 messages a week apart- the last one just a few minutes ago.   Is anyone else experiencing this?   

    I am grateful for this forum.  It helps to talk to others who are just as anxious as I am to get their lives back.   At this point, I'm not too concerned how far away the date for surgery is.  I would  just like  to have a target date. 

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  • foatboys
    foatboys Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2009

    Hi Hrf,

    So sorry I haven't checked in here in a while...sorry for the delay.  I had Diep surgery with Dr. Zhong (and 4 other doctors, McCready, Hoffer, and someone else...can't remember) on September 15th.  All went well with my breasts...my belly button caused a bit of a problem and I had a bit of necrotic tissue that had to be removed...so I'm still waiting for that to heal over..but that will be done very shortly.  I've seen Dr. Zhong every week since surgery...she's absolutely amazing.....I was originally a 34C...and went to a 34B and I'm so glad that I did...although after my chemo I had enough tummy tissue to probably make a D (no thanks)...hope I'm in time before your surgery...looking forward to hearing from you

    Rosemary

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  • Joli
    Joli Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2009

    Has anyone had a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction? I am waiting to have this scheduled with Dr. Zhong & would love to hear about your experience with the surgery & healing. Thank you!  Joli

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited December 2009

    Hi Rosemary....thanks for the update. I'm pleased to hear that you are doing well. I see Dr. Zhong again next Friday so she can continue to check my healing from rads. We don't have a surgery date yet but I think I'd like to do it over the summer as it makes it easier to miss work and it will be after my son's wedding.

    I have a friend who had the lat dorsi recon a number of years ago with Dr. Brown. She is very satisfied with the result.

    Galpuppy, sorry to hear that your calls are not being returned. I went through that initially but everything worked out finally.

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited December 2009

    Hi Joli, I too will be having a latissimus dorsi.  I can't have a tram flap due to having had radiation on my abdomen after ovarian cancer.  I had a consultation with Dr. Zhong in January but my surgeon wants me to wait two years after surgery before having recon.   So that means I have to wait until April.

    I really like Dr. Zhong.  She's so knowledgable and enthusiastic.

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