“On April 17, 2017, I had a bilateral pre-pec skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with reconstruction.
I know, I know, you have so many questions. What is a pre-pec skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with reconstruction? Why did I choose it? How was it? How am I doing now?
Let me start with what was most important for me, Dr Vanek, his staff and the care team at TriPoint Hospital.
As a teacher, I value knowledge, skill and heart. I want students to leave me with knowledge and skill, but most important I want them to use the knowledge and skill to make the world better.
I hold people to a high standard of knowledge and skill. Because I have known Dr. Vanek for over 20 years, I know through personal experience and the experience of many friends, that he is exceptional at his craft. But what has always impressed me most about Dr. Vanek is his commitment to caring for his patients. And this extends to his entire staff.
When I went to my first pre-op appointment, I was shaking, literally. The whole experience was finally real. I wasn’t just sitting at my laptop Googling; I was making a decision about something that was really going to happen to me. From the moment I was greeted at the desk, I started to feel the commitment to caring at Dr. Vanek’s office. Kind words, an offer to get me a glass of water, an encouraging hug, reassurance that I was in good hands and would be well cared for. Each and every person I came into contact with that day demonstrated that this was a place committed to caring for patients first. And the person who demonstrated this the most was Dr. Vanek.
Now as you can guess from all my references to Google, I am very committed to understanding and being an active participant in my health. But at this moment in my life, what I needed more than anything was to hear and feel that it was going to be OK. That I was not alone in this journey and that I was in good hands. And even before I heard all the specifics of the surgery and reconstruction, I was at peace.”
