Next Steps
Consultations Introduce You to Doctors, Staff, Options
I want to thank you all for your tremendous kindness and exceptional care. Thanks to you I feel like a "new" woman. You are all very special and my husband and I both appreciate everything.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness, kindness and exceptional medical and personal care.
M.E., Dickson, Tennessee
Our patients' health and well-being is our number one concern. Our relationship begins with a face to face consultation appointment or pre-screening via telephone (for patients who must travel to access these state-of-the-art procedures). We get to know you, your hopes and concerns. In preparation for this first discussion, we encourage you to write down all your questions to assure we answer them all for you. We'll explain to you various facets of our work, and walk you through the steps involved in pre- and post-operative care. For patients who must travel long distances, under certain circumstances, we may be able to make arrangements to consolidate the visit and the surgery eliminating one trip and the expense of travel and time away from family.
How to get the most out of your consultation:
- If possible, schedule your consultation before your mastectomy. This allows your reconstructive plans to be factored into that procedure.
- Ask to see before and after photos of the surgeon's work.
- Bring your medical records. Successful microsurgery relies on full knowledge of your current state of health.
- Disclose all medications, vitamins and herbs you take. Some chemicals and supplements interfere with health and healing, and your surgeon may advise discontinuing them.
- Bring a friend or loved one. Having another "set of ears" can help you manage the information you receive.
- Take notes, or have someone take them for you. You will likely hear many new terms. It is helpful to write down notes, so you can go back later and do further research or ask detailed questions of your physicians.
- Don't be afraid to communicate. The best consultations are a two-way conversation. Don't hesitate to speak up, to ask questions and to advocate for yourself.
- Sleep on it. You should not feel pressured to make an immediate decision about reconstruction. Let the information you gathered and impressions you gleaned sink in before you decide your next step.
The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is celebrating it's 10th anniversary.
