Testimonials - Breast Reconstruction
“I have met a lot of doctors through my journey with breast cancer but you have been the one that has impressed me the most! Thank you for being so personable and for your high quality of care and kindness. It has all been appreciated!”
T.K.
“Thank you for giving me new shape, new hope, and a new life.”
F.L.
“I am so glad that you love what you do! Thank you so much for your dedication, excellent care and kindness.”
R.J.
“I have nothing but praise for your gracious manner and for your surgical skills.”
D.N.
“I feel very fortunate to have been referred to a surgeon with your skill and expertise. This combined with your compassion, caring and friendliness is wonderful.”
K.G.
“You and your staff have taken such wonderful care of me. I have had an extremely positive experience…”
D.S.
“I feel so fortunate to have been referred to such a highly skilled surgeon.”
N.F.
“You’re always available, easy to approach and staff provided assistance and answered any questions/concerns I had.”
K.P.
“Thanks so much for such outstanding care during and after my operation.”
K.V.
“In April 2000, I had five bypasses which were successful, however, while in the hospital, I managed to pick up several viruses. One infected my sternum. Due to the infection, Dr. Van Laeken was called in to repair or install an artificial type of sternum. However, the infection was so bad that she made a decision to use part of my Pectoral Muscle to cover the lost sternum and to also protect my ribs. Dr. Van Laeken is a very talented, caring doctor. My wife and I both feel that her quick decision at that crucial time saved my life! Dr. Van Laeken was at that time and will always remain, our “Guardian Angel”.
A. & G. W
“Thank you so much for time and dedication to my healing over this past year!”
P.K.
“I am sorry it is only now that I am able to collect my thoughts and write you to thank you so much for the surgery you have performed on me in January 2009. Words cannot express my heart -felt gratitude for giving me a better life! I am now back to a more happy and positive outlook. Thank you so much! We always pray for your good health so that you will be able to help other people like us cope with the challenges of cancer.” Thanks again.
E.F.
“From the first time I met Dr. Van Laeken, she put me at ease. She was very honest with me and gave me her unconditional attention each and every time I saw her at the office or in the hospital. Having to have a mastectomy was hard enough to deal with and she made it feel like it would be just another walk in the park for me. She always gave me the pros and cons of all my options. What sealed the deal for me was at my first visit when we were deciding on my best options for the reconstructive surgery. When she found out I had fibromyalgia she said the flap procedure would not be feasible as it would take me much longer to recouperate. She also said it was my choice but if I insisted on that one she wouldn’t be able to help me. Then, I knew I had a surgeon who cared for her patients for more than just a name in the O.R. When my mother came with me on one of my post op visits, she sat with her and answered all her questions even though her waiting room was full. I would recommend her to anyone who was looking for a plastic surgeon.”
S.H.
“M.W. and I would like to thank you for taking on his care. The operation has given him back his face! He breathes better, can sleep better and continues to improve daily. Most importantly, he can smile again!”
D. & M. W
The First Dance
By Irene Van Iderstine, (actual patient)
When my son and his wife found out I had to have a mastectomy and axillary dissection, they booked a cruise for the three of us, for shortly after my surgery. While onboard they both kept a close eye on me, like a mother hen watching her flighty chicks. I didn’t feel any sorrow or sadness of losing my breast-but the thought of having a prosthesis to attend to the rest of life! Just another nuisance, like glasses, hearing aids, knee braces etc…Even though I enjoyed socializing with these lovely shipmates, I felt very vulnerable, just not quite capable anymore.
On the evening of the ‘Captain’s Dinner’, where the men wore tuxedos and the women wore glittering gown, we decided to pass over the champagne reception and headed directly for the night club dance area with an orchestra. We were enjoying a drink and the music when the cruise director came to me and asked for a dance. I immediately stood up delighted-but then I thought of my dressing that I was wearing at the time. Oh!! What if they fell on the floor?
The dance was a fast one-jitterbug, which I love but I slowed down and the cruise director said, “You like the slow ones do you?”As it happened, we ended up being the only couple on the dance floor. What a handsome man in his tuxedo! What a smooth dancer! What a conversation!! It seems he was from Chicago and knew Louis Prima (trumpeter, composer and band leader) personally. I recalled my husband and I had danced to the Louis Prima band years ago.
When the dance was over, everyone clapped and when I got back to my table I saw my dressings were not really where they were supposed to be-but I didn’t care! If only the cruise director and that cruise ship know how they bolstered my confidence. I can’t remember my partner’s name or the melody the band was playing but I haven’t forgotten that ‘First Dance’ and haven’t stopped since. Thanks, Kids.