Dr. S Hofer or Dr. M Brown in Toronto

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KBell
KBell Member Posts: 2
edited June 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello,

Reconstruction is a very scary idea. I want to be sure I am in the right hands. I was seeing a plastic surgeon about breast augmentation who recommended a mammogram pre breast augmentation. From that it was discovered I have a 4cm area of DCIS. It is being suggested I have a mastectomy and reconstruction. I am a very fit and healthy 38 year old who was considering augmentation to fill out my breasts as age and breast feeding began to show their wear. Now I have to wrap my head around bi-lateral mastectomy (this is what has been suggested) with reconstruction. First and foremost I want to make sure I am cancer free but I would by lying if I said the cosmetic outcome wasn't important. Any experiences with either Dr. S Hofer or Dr. M Brown?

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  • Lilyn
    Lilyn Member Posts: 282
    edited June 2015

    Hi both plastic surgeons are excellent. Dr. Hofer works out of Toronto General and Dr. Brown is at Women's College. I had double mastectomy 7 years ago and now just getting around to reconstruction. I am 62 so went back and forth on the issue but now am going ahead with DIEP reconstruction at Toronto General Hospital with Dr. Anne O'neil who works with Dr. Hoffer. I had radiation so cannot do implants one one side so am going with the DIEP even though it is a longer surgery and longer recovery. You would be in good hands with any of these doctors. Have you had your consultations with them yet?


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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited June 2015

    I had Dr. Lipa at sunnybrook who did my diep and cannot recommend her highly enough. She is an amazingly talented and compassionate PS who apparently is one of the best in Canada. She did her fellowship at MD Anderson but has thankfully returned. If you have any questions please ask me.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2015

    Hi KBell, welcome to Breastcancer.org! As you can already see, this wonderful community is here for you, and these supportive ladies have lots of experience and information to share. We really hope it helps you make the best decision. Please let us know!

    The Mods


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  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited June 2015

    Dr. Hofer performed my bilateral DIEP and a couple of follow ups for fat grafting -- he is great. 

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  • CatsRus
    CatsRus Member Posts: 310
    edited June 2015

    Very interested to read this topic. I had my mastectomy in March this year and haven't decided yet on reconstruction, I only seem to read horror stories. When/if I decide to do it, my surgeon says she will refer me to Toronto but I don't know who or where exactly yet. Good to hear some names and references.

    Thanks.

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited June 2015

    CatsRus, take your time and research. Because I had previous radiation the only option for me was Diep. To be honest, I never knew anything about it and when told I was thrilled- to be using my own tissue, no artificial implants. My breast is not perfectly shaped at this point (still have stage 2 to do) but I have a great cleavage, feel good in clothes and like that my breast is warm and soft like my other one! I had previously decided that I wouldn't do reconstruction, but when told of my recurrence and that I was a candidate for diep, I very surprisingly jumped at the opportunity- as if to say F*#* you cancer, your not doing this to me! I never turned back even after going through a diep class at the hospital. I'm so happy with my decision. I hope this sometimes difficult decision comes easily for you

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  • CatsRus
    CatsRus Member Posts: 310
    edited June 2015


    Thanks slv58. I will take my time, I'm really not sure I will do it but I will continue to read and will probably do a consult before I eventually decide. I don't need radiation, so that's good. I have always had small breasts and have worn padded bras most of my life so I'll see how I get on with the foob for now and decide later. I don't like the idea of more surgery right now, though both my mastectomy and ALND went very well, but that may change with time.

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  • wraithg
    wraithg Member Posts: 93
    edited June 2015

    I had dr Zhong at toronto general 2013 , she did a great job. I still haven't done my nipples yet. Not sure what to do. I think just the tattoos. Any good artists here in Toronto?

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