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We continue to get rave reviews from our patients and want to share a few testimonials with you.
Our patients come to see us for a variety of medical reasons.
A majority of our patients seek our help in reconstructing their breasts after a mastectomy.
Elaine's Story
I came to see Dr. Zegzula last May. I have two children ages 2 and 4. After two cesareans and nursing my body didn't feel like it was mine. I explained what I wanted to accomplished with Dr. Zegzula and he helped me achieve what I couldn't from diet and exercise. I underwent breast augmentation and abdominoplasty surgery and spent this summer in a bikini for the first time since having my children. I have more confidence, self-esteem and motivation and I have Dr. Zegzula to thank for this.
Joan's Story
When I first met Dr. Zegzula I found him to be intelligent, compassionate and easy to talk with. His staff kept me informed through out the entire process. I am positive in my decision to have surgery and I am certain that I chose the best surgeon in town.
Heidi's Story
Heidi, a breast cancer survivor and our patient, has an interesting story to share with you.
As with so many other women, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was in a state of shock. During the month between my diagnosis and my bilateral mastectomy, I had a lot of time to think about what cancer meant to me and how my life might change as a result of my diagnosis and surgery. I spent much of that month thinking, "This is the last time I'll do ____ with my boobs." And that blank was filled in with everything from putting on my seatbelt, wearing a "normal" bra, going kayaking, taking a shower, and so many other really big and really little things. It's a cliché to say it, but I really was mourning the upcoming loss of my breasts.
A friend suggested that I do something like some pregnant women do…instead of making a cast of a pregnant belly, I should make a cast of my boobs. My initial reaction was, "No way! That's way too strange!" But then I thought more about it, and realized I might want to see what they looked like, long after they're gone. I didn't know what I would with the cast, but I wanted to be able to remember my boobs, and to look at them again in the future. I guessed that they'd spend the rest of their lives in a box in my garage, and that would be okay. I just wanted to have them.
So I asked a friend to help me with a special "art project." Initially, I was uncomfortable getting undressed and having her so close to my boobs and "working" on them, but after a while it started to feel okay. And then it seemed very normal. It was an amazing experience. It was a powerful way to preserve a part of me that would be physically gone forever. Once we got started, I didn't want to stop. We ended up making five different casts that night, and I felt strong and in control.
The boob casts may not appeal to everyone, but they helped me get through an extremely difficult time. I used to be a very modest person, but all of a sudden, I wanted to show everyone my boobs (the cast, of course). I was proud of having made them, and of what they looked like. They were me.
If you are at all interested in making your own boob cast, I encourage you to do it. Once you've had your surgery, it will be too late to change your mind. I've written down some basic instructions on the next page. I'm not an expert, but if you want help with yours, please feel free to call me and we can talk about it, or I may be able to help you make your own.
Good luck, and if you try this, I hope it is a positive experience for you. I wish you the best, with strength and courage, humor and humility, as you deal with your cancer, move through it, and move on with your life!
-- H. G.
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