San Antonio -- One of the biggest fears most women have is getting diagnosed with breast cancer. Dealing with intense treatment and the possibility of losing your breasts is unimaginable.
But a San Antonio doctor is trying to change that by using a unique surgical procedure that restores patients' bodies and their confidence.
"I think this is something that women don't necessary know is an option for them,” Tammy Carrington told us. “It certainly was not an option in my home town."
Tammy Carrington drove in from Lufkin, Texas, more than 300 miles away, to share her story.
"The three words that described me best were scared, overwhelmed and confused. And I think every woman that hears the 'C' word in relation to her feels the same thing," she explained.
Tammy was diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago. Because it was caught early, doctors told her intense chemo treatment wouldn't be necessary; however, she did need to get the cancer removed quickly.
"I just knew I had to get the cancer out of my body,” Tammy said. “And having a special needs little boy, I had to be around for a long time to take care of him. I knew I needed to make the right decision."
Tammy had a lump in one breast, but removed both to keep the disease from spreading. She did a lot of research on the subject and found out she didn't have to stop there.
"I had a bi-lateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP Flap reconstruction,” Tammy noted. “Which means, while I was asleep from the mastectomy, they went in and did the reconstruction."
It's called DIEP Flap reconstruction. Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo is one of only 40 surgeons nation-wide that routinely performs the surgery. He works as a plastic surgeon at the PRMA Clinic here in San Antonio on the northwest side. He says very few breast cancer patients realize you don't have to live without breasts to survive cancer.
"Only 30 percent of women that have breast cancer are even told that breast cancer reconstruction is an option," Dr. Chrysopoulo pointed out.
Here's how the DIEP Flap procedure works - One or both breasts are removed to get rid of the cancer. Once that's done, Dr. Chrysopoulo removes tissue and fat from the patient's stomach area.
"Just like the tissue removed in a tummy tuck, we use that tissue, basically, to reconstruct a warm, natural, soft breast," he explained.
The procedure can take anywhere from five to eight hours. And there is some pain associated with it, like most surgeries. But Dr. Chrysopoulo and Tammy Carrington agree - it's worth it!
Dr. Chrysopoulo commented, "Psychologically, emotionally, socially, this is a huge part of their recovery."
"I went to sleep with breasts and I woke up with cleavage," Tammy said candidly.
Dr. Chrysopoulo says this surgery can be costly; however, a lot of insurance companies do work with his clinic on the cost.
For more information on the PRMA Clinic and the DIEP Flap procedure –
click here.
