In honor of breast cancer awareness month throughout October we will be highlighting some of our special and courageous patients. Today, we feature Betty, a breast cancer survivor and a fiery lady we have come to know well! Here is her story….

I went for usual preventive check up like always. I was 7 years out of the gate with my first experience with breast cancer. Of course, I thought, just standard protocol no big deal. But I was wrong……I received a call from the Breast Care Center. My cancer had returned this time in my left breast and my outcome was very scary for me. After meeting with a surgeon, and my oncologists, it was also in my treatment plan to connect with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. It was recommended to make an appointment with Dr. Erik J. Miles.

So here I was making an appointment with a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon. Only the “beautiful” people see plastic surgeons. Not me. I wasn’t feeling very beautiful as I started this cancer journey. But to my surprise what a wonderful feeling came over me when I walked into the office! The office staff is very warm and welcoming They are very professional, but they have a special quality. Knowing how to treat people with an exceptional touch.

Then came my time with Dr. Miles. He knew that I was nervous and afraid. But he calmed my fears very easily. It was such an education as we exchanged conversation and he patiently answered my questions. He is an expert in his field of practice, but he had a very soothing approach with me. And as I felt more comfortable with him, I injected humor into the conversation–its my coping mechanism. Because it is important to find the humor in situations, because it’s ok to cry when you have breast cancer. As I attended my multiple appointments with Dr. Miles, I found out that his lovey wife works along side him; and he has 2 sons. He also always teased myself, my sister-in-law, and my daughter that we were the “nursing” patients. I stated that my background, was in the medical insurance industry. Rather that my sister-in-law and my daughter were the medical attendants. I also had Dr. Miles elaborate on this type of specialty of work that he is involved in and he explained that his “heart” is in reconstructive surgery.

Also with Dr. Miles being a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon has the habit of always having a magic marker on him, so that he can outline the site on his patients for surgery. So when I was scheduled for surgery he had his marker with him. I used to say enough already. That’s when he decided to draw a smiley face on me. Of course,, the operating room nurses thought that was funny.

But in closing, I am so deeply thankful for having Dr. Miles as my surgeon at this time in my life. I am so grateful and appreciate his knowledge, expertise, and his time with me. This is indeed his mission and his life statement; and for that I am honored to be his patient.

With a grateful heart,

Betty K.