Breast Surgeon and SIEA/DIEP Surgeon in Midwest?

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BCGoAway
BCGoAway Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I am looking for a surgeon who works with a plastic surgeon who performs SIEA and/or DIEP procedures. No one in my area does these procedures and I have been run through the ringer with local doctors. Am willing to drive or fly to find a good surgical team. I don't even want immediate reconstruction. I'm scheduled for simple mastectomy on 20 May but with no referral yet to surgeon who performs the reconstruction I want, I'm fearful of going ahead with surgery. I don't want anything botched to hurt my reconstruction effort.

  

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  • CandDsMom
    CandDsMom Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2011

    If you are not afraid to travel I recommend that you consider The Center for Restorative  Breast Surgery.  There are a handful of free flap breast reconstruction specialists and that is all they do, day in and day out, nothing else outside of the scope of breast recon.

    I was afraid to travel and went with the "top" person at my National Cancer Institute affiliated major midwest medical center and was told, erroneously, that I wasn't a candidate for DIEP (I ended up with free TRAM). I was 35 and a nonsmoker non diabetic non hypertensive and otherwise healthy woman (although, to be fair, I am a big girl - size 16/18 at time of dx).  I ended up with a 14 hr surgery, lost half my blood, and developed a hug 8x4 inch wound on my (prophylactic!) side that took over 13 weeks to heal. I was a mess.

    Anyway, I ended up going to NOLA to fix up my mess, and have been super happy with the results.

    Check out:

    www.breastcenter.com  www.drmarga.com   www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com to see what is possible if you really want a flap done.  It definitely is not a resident level procedure and these docs at these 3 practices are pretty much the best, far as I can tell. Or at least the most experienced anyway.

    Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you want.

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  • CandDsMom
    CandDsMom Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2011

    At your simple mastectomy have you considered having them put a tissue expander in so more skin can be spared? You will likely have a better cosmetic outcome with skin sparing then flap later than if you have a Mx and go flat and then try to reconstruct later...

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  • Emaline
    Emaline Member Posts: 492
    edited May 2011

    Where in Ohio are you?  I'm also in Ohio. Try Dr. Hooman Soltanian in the Cleveland area.  440.461.7999.  I know there is at least one more in the Cleveland area, but can't think of their name.  I will send a message to my friend ask.

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  • amym159
    amym159 Member Posts: 212
    edited May 2011

    I also went to NOLA after an unsatisfactory implant reconstruction locally. Like CandDs mom I am thrilled with the result. If you are thinking of traveling you might consider going there from the get go. The way they make the incisions for the mastectomy has a big impact on the results of your reconstruction. I know they prioritize women with active cancer in NOLA and bet the same holds true in Charleston and with Dr Massey. I know May 20th is awfully soon, but thought I'd put that out there anyway!

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  • Better-Body-Babe
    Better-Body-Babe Member Posts: 77
    edited May 2011

    Hi BCGoAway-  I just celebrated my one year anniversary of reconstruction and have been so very pleased.  Like CandDsMom, I recommend checking out the center for natural breast reconstruction.  Dr. Richard Kline and Dr. James Craigie are fabulous.  Beyond their skill, the office staff is terrific.  They take care of everything-- including working out insurance.  You might want to give them a call-- they are in Charleston, which is a great place to visit anyway!  Their number is 866-374-2627.  Good luck as you look for what is best for you. 

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