Patient Testimonials We understand that sometimes it may be helpful to hear other patients’ stories of their experiences with Dr. Spiegel and the Center for Breast Restoration. To help you in your decision-making process, we have provided some patient testimonial submissions below. Also, to see videos of more patient testimonials, please visit our YouTube Page. Or check out one of our recent patients' blog posts about her experience at the Center for Breast Restoration.
If you are a former patient, we would love for you to share your experiences with new patients through Patient/Doctor Reviews. It's easy and free and we really appreciate your time! Just click on the "Write a Testimonial" button above to see instructions on how to fill out your review.
Procedure found through press release:
-
Having lost my mother and her sister to cancer in the seventies, it was still a shock to me to learn in the mid nineties that I was at high risk for breast cancer. As a fairly young woman, it was important to me to take every precautionary step to live a long life.
more >>
Years of multiple biopsies and renewed anxiety over my deteriorating condition led to my decision to have a bi-lateral mastectomy in June of 2002. A press release alerted me to Dr. Spiegel as an emerging talent with a unique approach to breast reconstruction surgery. When I met with her, she put me totally at ease when she used a magic marker to spontaneously draw a picture of the surgery and technique she would use. I was delighted to find that she was able to explain it in a way I could clearly understand it.
Since having the DIEP procedure last summer, I am in better shape now than I was before my surgery and enjoy the same active lifestyle that I always have. It seems to me that every woman considering breast reconstruction would choose this method if she had the choice to. Diagnosis of a serious disease is devastating enough, without having to suffer through a diminishing experience of make-do reconstruction surgery. Dr. Spiegel has given me back my femininity and my quality of life! – S.H.
Too many scary biopsies:
-
My mother, her sister, and three of my first cousin have battled breast cancer; sadly we lost my cousin at the age of 27 to breast cancer, so knowing my family history, my primary Doctor wanted to watch me closely so they scheduled my first mammogram at the age of 35.
more >>
I had my mammogram, and had a weird feeling something was not right, because they had to do several areas over 3 times, but not knowing what to expect I tried to forget about it. Two weeks later I was contacted by the clinic that I needed to contact them to come in for additional testing. I was notified by letter; I received it the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, so I was unable to speak to anyone over the long holiday weekend. On Monday, I was told there were some abnormalities in my mammogram called micro calcifications, and I needed 8 needle core biopsies performed. I was scheduled a week later; the biopsies were all performed the same day it took about 4 hours to complete all of them, and it took quite a bit out of me, emotionally and physically. I left the clinic in tears and holding an ice pack to breasts to relieve the pain. I received the results about 2 weeks later, and the results were good. No cancer, I was thrilled. I was told I would need to go back in 6 months for a follow up mammogram. Six months later, I went for my follow up, and they found a mass in one of my breasts. The radiologists were very concerned with the mass, as it was highly characteristic of cancer, as were the past calcifications. So they had me in for biopsy in 2 days. Again I waited 2 weeks for the results and results were good again, no malignancy. I had to go again for another follow up six months later, and they found another area that was suspicious of cancer. Again I had to have another biopsy, and I again got good news, no cancer. So in less than 2 years, I had 10 false alarms, so I met with my doctor and asked him what he thought I should do about my ongoing issues. My breast doctor sat down with me and told me with that the characteristics of all of my masses were highly likely to evolve to cancer, and with my family history, the now scarred tissue (due to each biopsy), and my fibrocystic breast tissue, he was concerned when and if it turned to cancer he would miss it in the early stages. We discussed genetic testing, and though that was an option, as he explained that would not change all of the mammograms and biopsies that would surely be needed until I hit menopause. I asked him if I were his wife what he would recommend. He told me to meet with Dr. Aldona Spiegel, breast reconstruction specialist at Methodist to discuss a prophylactic mastectomy. I don't know how I felt when I left his office, but it was the lowest I had ever felt in my life. I wasn't expecting his recommendation, but I had asked him for his honest professional opinion, and I got it. I cried the whole way home. I am normally a pretty optimistic person, but I was feeling so helpless, overwhelmed and anxious. I made the appointment with you, Dr. Spiegel and was not looking forward to the appointment. From the moment you entered the exam room I relaxed. You were so kind and warm towards me and my husband, that I immediately felt better. You spent about 1 hour with us on the first visit and never rushed, or made me feel as if you needed to go. You showed me on my body where I could expect an incision and what I would feel like. You gave me all of my options and I will never forget how you asked me to move off the exam table, and sit in your stool, and you raised the top of the exam chair and used the white paper as a easel and proceeded to draw a women's body and show me how the DIEP flap procedure was performed. You were compassionate and caring. I left knowing that I was going to be proactive with my healthcare and make decisions which would maximize my life and increase my quality of life. I know that some people feel that a prophylactic mastectomy is drastic, why have a surgery for what might happen. But only women who understand the anxiety of waiting and the devastation of breast cancer can understand my choice. In less than 2 years, when you add the time waiting to be scheduled for a mammogram, waiting for those test results, waiting to be scheduled for biopsies, waiting for those results - I had spent over 24 weeks(6 months) just waiting for tests results. Anything I could do to take more control of my life, I was going to do.
I had the surgery in October of 2005, and you and the staff at Methodist hospital were amazing. I won't say it was an easy journey, but I would do it over again in a second. I have just completed my implant surgery and am now completely done with my reconstruction. I am so happy with my new physical appearance, and can't tell you enough how my family appreciates the compassion you showed them at appointments and the day of the surgery. Your enthusiasm in restoring my physical appearance as well as my health is contagious. My friends and family are constantly telling me that when you did the surgery, you didn't take anything away, but they felt you added something which shines in me now. You are very special to my family and me, and will stay in our prayers. Your staff members have been amazing, never tiring of my calls, questions and show great knowledge in this specialty.
I thank you for choosing the walk in life which you have chosen, and trust that you will continue to lead in the battle against breast cancer. – C.M.
"Can-cer-vive" attitude:
-
I was 40 years old when I learned that I had breast cancer. My mother and several of my cousins had breast cancer, but it had happened to them later in life. I was stunned to say the least, and I didn't know what lay ahead. Fortunately, I was able to have a surgeon who put me in contact with Dr. Aldona Spiegel.
more >>
I was feeling overwhelmed with sadness and anxiety the day before my mastectomy. I couldn't imagine what my body was going to look like. After my family and I met with Dr. Spiegel and her staff that day for the first time, everyone's feelings began to change. We suddenly felt hope because of her confident attitude that everything was going to be okay. I was amazed at her level of expertise and the description of the procedure she would do to restore my body as close to its original state as possible.
I had never heard of this type of reconstructive procedure, but I felt like it was something I should try. My doctors and others had shared stories with me about the difficulties associated with standard reconstructive procedures. This one seemed to be the one that would give me the quickest recovery time as well as the best results. It would also allow me to maintain my active lifestyle with less concern about developing a hernia or other complications. That night my husband and I read the pamphlet she gave us and concluded that this was the right decision. Although the procedure would not occur for several months, I knew I had something to look forward to after my surgery and chemotherapy was complete.
As I healed from the mastectomy and learned that my lymph nodes were negative for cancer, my confidence continued to increase. Although I dreaded the four chemotherapy treatments, I knew that they would be the extra credit that could make the difference between passing and failing. My first treatment was the worst because of the nausea and overwhelming feeling of exhaustion. I also dreaded the thought of losing my hair. It was scheduled to fall out about Christmas Eve, which would also be my daughter's 11th birthday. It fell out on schedule, and that night at church I hoped that I would not leave too much hair on all of the people giving me hugs!
The difficulty of this moment was made easier though because of a beautiful snowstorm that occurred later that evening. It was such an unusual sight for south Texas that I know God was sending me a sign that everything was going to be okay. With this kind of exuberance, my doubt and anxiety soon faded away as I approached my next treatments. Before I knew it, it was time for the last one. I had made it through without any setbacks, and I was ready for the next phase of the journey.
Preparing for my reconstructive surgery was actually kind of fun. Dr. Spiegel and her staff kept my spirits up with laughter and humor and monitored my progress for the next several weeks to make sure that my body was ready for the surgery. They encouraged me to eat heartily so that I could gain a sufficient amount of weight. I could feel their care and concern for my well-being every time we communicated with each other.
When the day finally arrived, I did not feel nervous or anxious. I was at ease with Dr. Spiegel and Dr. Khan, and I know that I could trust them during the extensive, detailed procedures that would take place in the operating room. My husband and daughter felt the same about their abilities and degree of professionalism. They even felt secure enough to go back to the hotel room where they could wait comfortably for Dr. Spiegel to call and update them on my progress. It was this same feeling of confidence in Dr. Spiegel that allowed them to go back to school and work until I was ready to come home five days later.
Within four weeks, I was back at work. My friends and coworkers were amazed at my speedy recovery. This reassured me even more that I had made the right decision many months earlier to have this type of breast restoration done.
The minor in-office procedures that followed made me feel that Dr. Spiegel was still concerned about my progress. She carefully explained and planned each step thoroughly. Her staff was there to answer any questions that I had during the journey. When it was time for my last visit, I felt a since of jubilation at having come full circle. I know that Dr. Spiegel and her staff had used their talents as a team of scientists and artists to restore my body as close as they could to its original state. I felt blessed by having her as my surgeon through this difficult time. Without her uplifting spirit and attitude and sense of perfection, overcoming breast cancer would have been much more difficult.
Although I still have some moments of anxiety and depression as a result of breast cancer, I try to remember the progress that scientists and physicians are making every month, every year. I know that through research and improved techniques, such as chemotherapy, breast restoration, and new medicines, women in the future will have less to fear when they learn that they have breast cancer.
As I lay in bed one recent night, I though about what my family and I had been through in the last two years, and I realized that life goes on despite physical aliments and disabilities. I began to think differently about the dreaded word "cancer", and decided to call it "can-cer-vive" instead. With a vision of life, a person can overcome the odds against them.
It is my hope that you will face your journey with a "can-cer-vive" attitude and belief that you are where you need to be to receive the best in health care and medicine. May you arrive full circle safely and quickly and in the care of the world's finest doctors. – G.P.
Gardener won't give up lifestyle:
-
Since puberty I had been troubled with fibrous cysts in my breasts, but various tests and biopsies showed nothing to worry about. Then in May 2002 a routine mammogram showed a small suspicious looking growth in my right breast. A core needle biopsy confirmed that I had infiltrating ductal carcinoma. I immediately searched out all the various treatments and surgical procedures available. Being extremely active, I did not want any procedure that would hinder me physically.
more >>
Then I talked with Dr. Spiegel and realized that the DIEP procedure was perfect for me. On May 30, 2002 I had a bilateral mastectomy and the DIEP reconstruction. I am so happy that I chose the DIEP over everything else I could have had. I was back at work in 3 weeks after hospital release and felt wonderful. I walk 2 miles per day on a treadmill, spend many hours gardening and find that many women half my age can't keep up with me.
Many people cannot believe I've had the surgery just from looking at me, and many envy the flat tummy and shapely bosom that I have. Dr. Spiegel is such a gifted and caring woman. She truly and deeply cares about helping women through the horror of breast cancer by offering them the chance to keep their positive outlook, enhance their figures, and support them through the reconstructive process in ways only a mother, sister, or very best friend would do. Oh, by the way, I am 61 years old, so the DIEP procedure is not just for young women! It is for every woman who wants to maintain her active lifestyle and wants to look normal. – L.G.
Author of women's health newsletter:
-
A women who has stood before a mirror and seen a four inch scar where her breast used to be can truly understand and appreciate the gift Dr. Spiegel gives patients who have been touched by cancer. I should know; that woman was me, and I am one who has been blessed by her extraordinary skill, compassion and level of care.
more >>
As a writer of a women's health news letter, I learned about Dr. Spiegel's ability to use stomach fat (while sparing the muscle) to rebuild breasts and restore sensation when I interviewed one of her patients for an article on breast reduction surgery. I had no idea that less than two months later I would be diagnosed with breast cancer. In my view, the conversation was Divine intervention.
In whatever way you have come to learn about Dr. Spiegel, consider yourself blessed. Cancer is certainly a dark cloud, but Dr. Spiegel and her staff offer the silver lining of physical restoration to any women whose goal is to feel whole again. – S.M.
Can't quit smiling:
-
I first heard of DIEP flap breast restoration for mastectomy patients in 2000 and daydreamed that some day the surgery would be available for those of us who lived with poor cosmetic results after lumpectomies. The daydream became a reality on March 29, 2004 when Dr. Spiegel and her associates restored my breast using the even less invasive SIEA flap technique.
more >>
"Thrilled" is the word that goes through my mind so many times a day. I am thrilled with the results of the surgery: I have cleavage again, am more balanced and the new tissue is soft and flexible. I can't quit smiling. Just today the receptionist at my dentist's office commented on how happy I was. I feel as if Humpty Dumpty has been put back together again. Thank you, Dr. Spiegel! – M.D.
Return of sensation:
-
Dear Dr. Spiegel, I want to personally thank you and everyone on your staff for your encouragement, your moral support, your guidance, caring and understanding for the past 8 months. A diagnosis of breast cancer can turn your entire world upside down. I cannot even try to describe the emotional roller coaster that I found myself riding on. Finding you on the internet was the best thing that could have happened to me. You turned a frightening experience into a manageable one.
more >>
I am so happy with my reconstruction that I don't mind showing it to everyone who asks to see it. I really hope this does not land me a night in jail for indecent exposure, but technically I can claim that I was just showing off my stomach fat; right?
Yesterday, I showed my reconstruction to my family doctor and his Nurse Practitioner. They were both amazed and told me it was the best reconstruction that they had ever seen. They have asked for a handful of your business cards so that they can start referring their patients to you. Today I showed my oncologist, she was also amazed and claimed that she had never seen anything like it; she also asked for a handful of your cards so that she can refer her patients to you. What really shocked them is the fact that I have most of my feeling back already. Regaining my feeling was very important to me. Thank you so much for reconnecting my nerves and for making me look and feel normal again. You are the best; I appreciate and thank you and your staff for your commitment to women needing breast reconstruction. – D.M.
Remembers her grandmother's scars:
-
After being diagnosed with breast cancer I desired a natural wholeness. My grandmother had breast cancer and her treatment entailed the chemical removal of her breast. When I was a little girl I remember my grandmother's scarred chest and it left a deep impression on me. I was thrilled to have my surgeon recommended Dr. Spiegel who performed breast reconstruction with out an invasive muscle procedure or implants.
more >>
During my consultation and treatment time I was consistently treated with kindness and respect. I greatly admire and appreciate the competency of Dr. Spiegel and her staff. After a double mastectomy and reconstruction I am pleased that my results have left me with wholeness reminiscent of how I was before breast cancer. – D.O.
Don't wait 6 years:
-
I waited 6 years after my mastectomy to follow through with my plans for reconstruction. I was not interested in the type flap offered by the surgeon that did the markings prior to my mastectomy.
more >>
After research I decided I would like to have the DIEP flap. With a little more research on the internet, I found Dr. Spiegel and her staff. They were wonderful. I am 2 years post reconstruction and very pleased with the results. My advice – do not wait 6 years! – T.W.
The definition of perfect:
-
If I were to re-define the word PERFECT in a dictionary, it would have Dr. Spiegel's name next to it. Just prior to going to Dr. Spiegel, I had been diagnosed with breast cancer resulting in total mastectomy surgery removing both of my breasts. Having heard that Dr. Spiegel was an outstanding breast reconstruction specialist, I made an appointment to see her.
more >>
She gave a clear and thorough understanding of the breast restoration options, she showed real concern for my questions and insecurities, and provided me with all of the information to make the right choice for me which was the DIEP FLAP technique. Dr. Spiegel and her top-notch staff - the degree and the extent to which they make you feel safe, secure, and confidents are truly remarkable. I felt so comfortable that when my friends and family asked me how my appointment with Dr. Spiegel was, I simply replied, "I found my new home."
Having just undergone the DIEP FLAP surgery days ago, I can say without a shadow of even one doubt, that Dr. Spiegel is the most understanding and patient physician I have ever encountered – the professionalism, precision, and skill in her work are exquisite; the quality and her special attention to detail are "unmatched."
The surgery itself was better than I ever anticipated. After seeing my new breasts for the very first time, I started crying. My daughter asked me "what's wrong?" I told her that these are tears of joy – that I have never seen such "beautiful breasts in my life." I truly cannot believe the results – and I could not be happier and more appreciative – beyond my wildest expectations could I have imagined anything as terrific and superb as this! Thank you, Dr. Spiegel for making my journey through this entire restoration process a most positive one – words or rhetoric cannot say enough just how fortunate and grateful I am for everything you have done for me. – E.G.
DIEP/SIEA flap:
-
New post-lumpectomy restoration option As co-founder and facilitator of The Lymph Connection Support Group, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Edgewood, KY I am constantly "surfing the net" to find current information on lymphedema. An October 2003 article on the Internet entitled Reconstructive surgery benefits small breasted women piqued my interest immediately.
more >>
The article highlighted Dr. Aldona Spiegel, plastic surgeon at the Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. She is the first plastic surgeon in the United States to perform DIEP/SIEA flap microsurgery on women who have had lumpectomies. This surgery transplants abdominal tissue to the breast without cutting muscles. To my delight, I found that this surgery is minimally invasive; my dream of a breast restoration was revived! I contacted Dr. Spiegel's gracious nurse Sonja, who answered all of my questions via several telephone conversations and many emails. Because I live 1,200 miles from Houston, I sent digital photos for Dr. Spiegel's review, which confirmed that I was a good candidate for the DIEP/SIEA flap surgery. Effect of DIEP/SIEA microsurgery on lymphedema When my husband and I flew to Houston for the pre-op consult and blood work, I questioned Dr. Spiegel about the possible worsening of my lymphedema as a result of the surgery. She calmed my fears saying that in over 200 DIEP/SIEA flap surgeries for both lumpectomy and mastectomy patients, she has never had a patient whose lymphedema worsened; in some patients it actually improved when the transplanted tissue was placed on the outer edge of the breast where the introduction of new lymphatic tissue often began contributing to the lymphatic transport capacity in the axilla. Two weeks later Dr. Spiegel and her associate performed a seven-hour microsurgery, which surprisingly, left me in little pain. My recuperation was speedy; my husband, daughter and I walked a mile on Galveston Beach just four days after surgery and I could have returned to my administrative assistant position in less than three weeks. Three months have passed since the surgery. My lymphedema has not worsened; in fact the full, achy feeling in my shoulder blade toward the back of my arm–probably lymphedema–is no longer noticeable! Only a relatively simple symmetry outpatient procedure to equalize the size and shape of the breasts remains to complete my restoration. I look and feel great, as if Humpty Dumpty has been put back together again. This was the correct decision for me and I could not be happier! For more information on The Center for Breast Restoration, call (713) 798-6422. About the Author: Mary Defoe Mary is a seven-year breast cancer survivor with lymphedema. She is editor of eLymphNotes; co-founder of The Lymph Connection Support Group, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Edgewood, KY; volunteer for the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program where she visits newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors, especially those with lymphedema; and a certified instructor for The Lebed Method™© Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance for the Breast Cancer Survivor. You may contact Mary with any questions.
|
