Each year, the third Wednesday in October is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, which causes me to reflect on my recent breast reconstruction surgery and recovery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Normally, I do not write letters or participate in surveys, but feel obliged to write this one to express my utmost thanks and appreciation to the entire staff that guided me through the discovery, surgeries, and recovery. UT Southwestern Medical Center, Clements Hospital, the space is magnificent and amazingly convenient for both incoming and outgoing patients. Facilities like Clements Hospital make Dallas a wonderful place to live and work.
Thank you to Dr. W. for the compassionate delivery of the 'cancer message', which was one of the toughest days in my life. Her kindness and reassurance helped me overcome my fears about the impending mastectomy. I believe the guidance and information I received before the surgery was crucial to my speedy recovery as I was mentally at ease. It isn't just medicine alone that gives strength to push through, but reassuring words.
Thank you to Dr. T. for accepting me as a patient, for his surgical brilliance, for his professional expertise, and for putting me at ease during this stressful journey. I knew I made a good choice in coming to UT Southwestern and approaching Dr. T. with my breast reconstruction request. His motivating words and calming smile helped me to continue to move forward. Dr. T. is an extraordinary surgeon and an extraordinary human being.
Thank you to Teofila for the warmth and attention given to me during recovery time. The smallest gesture by Teofila made me feel like I was not just a patient and that I was going to be okay. The gesture was during the prep time for my first attempt to walk the inpatient corridor with my husband and a friend. Teofila asked everyone to step out of the room for a moment; she adjusted my gown and clothing. Teofila reached up to smooth my hair and tuck it behind my ears, at that moment, I knew she cared, she cared about me.
Through this journey of breast cancer discovery, biopsies, surgeries, mastectomy, and reconstruction, at each stage, I felt that I was important to each UTSW employee, I was treated exceptionally well, and most importantly I was given hope and confidence that I would pop out at the end of the trail, successful and healthy.