JJ's Breast Cancer Story

We would like to start this week off with another story of breast cancer survival from one of our patient's.  Here is JJ's story:

 

JJ's Cancer Story

"My cancer journey:

I did everything right...I had children and breast fed them and worked out and ate right.  So when I found a lump in my breast, I monitored it for a couple of months.  It was different than all the rest, which had been fiber-systic lumps from caffeine and would go away after I cut down.
 

So I decided to get an appt. with my Dr. and do my annual check up/mammogram.  Then back it up with a sonogram. I have been sharing with every woman I can, that even though I was pointing right at the lump, the mammogram never picked it up. The sonogram did, though and then I had a needle biopsy. That was the first nightmare in the journey of pain.

They diagnosed me with Stage 1 breast cancer, so I had a lumpectomy.  When the surgeon went to cut it out, he found a more aggressive and reoccurring type of cancer that they described as stars in the galaxy.  I knew immediately that I would have a double mastectomy.

My daughter wanted to help me out afterwards by asking her plastic surgeon to recommend someone for my reconstruction, who also took my insurance.  Why, Dr. Miles, of course!  He was also highly recommended by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well.  

I went back to work and was so self-conscious, even though I had been a 34 A.  I tried prosthetics and they were hot and uncomfortable and would move around.  I just used them while I waited to go in for surgery for my reconstruction.  Now that I have spacers and am getting ready for the last surgery, I feel so much better about how I look and will look when it is all over.

This last year has been a long road, but every time I went in to Dr. Miles' office everyone was so happy and sweet and understanding.  It helped me feel a little better each time."

 

JJ

 

E.G.'s Breast Cancer Story

Below is E.G.'s story of a bi-lateral mastectomy, the expansion process and chemotherapy.  We invite you to read another inspiring story of breast cancer survival! 

E.G.'s Breast Cancer Story

"Hello All You Believers!

My story begins with the passing of my mother at 94 years old on June 18.  Tara, the office manager and Dr Miles waited for my call and accommodated me early on a Monday morning to set up the surgery. They knew what I'd been through, watching my Mom pass, but they also knew I had to have the bi-lateral mastectomy ASAP!  They were kind and gentle and got me ready.  This was a whole new world to me; two surgeries at once!  I would leave the hospital with both breasts intact having moments before lost both of them!  A miracle!  

When I woke up in the hospital, it was close to 10 at night.  I felt so relieved, I was close to tears!  These two excellent surgeons worked side by side to help me.  I was so grateful; the primary Cancer tumor was GONE from my body, I was safe and my parts were still all there!  The miracle happened to me. 

The expansion process is another miracle.  Every week or so, I made the lovely drive to Redlands to be expanded!  It was during those visits I worked with Vicki, Dr Miles' wife and excellent nurse.  And I'm still "growing"!  

My treatment is still in process and currently I am undergoing chemotherapy for preventive purposes.  Radiation may be in my future and the team at Dr Miles' office will help me through that as well, I am confident.  The important thing is that I haven't lost my self image through all of this with the help of Dr Miles and his staff.  I still look and feel womanly and have the confidence to face whatever comes next because I never lost that confidence!  And here's the icing on the cake: they've lent me a beautiful blonde wig!  I call that complete care!

From speaking with other Breast Cancer survivors, it's clear that Breast Cancer care has advanced a lot over the last twenty or thirty years and obviously will continue to change with the help of events like this one.  So let's keep walking and moving forward so that my comfortable experience will be become even better as new cures and methods can be discovered and be available to great doctors like Dr Duncan Miles!"  

 

E.G. Palm Springs, CA

 

CG's Breast Cancer Story

Here is another story from one of our breast cancer survivors!  What an inspiring story!  We are truly grateful to be able to help women on their journey to recovery!

 



CG's Breast Cancer Story

"I was at work on Friday, August 15^th, 2014 in my classroom when I received the phone call that changed my life.  My doctors office called and told me my results were in… I had breast cancer.  I was in shock and total disbelief and I thought… I am a runner who doesn’t smoke or drink?  I eat healthy and take care of my body?  How did this happen?  All of that didn’t matter anymore because cancer doesn’t discriminate and at that point I knew I had to focus on the fact that I have two beautiful children, a fiance’ (now husband), and three soon to be step children.  I knew I had to pick up the pieces and begin the fight of my life.  I began immediately with more tests, scans, and doctors appointments. We developed an aggressive treatment plan of five months of chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor and breast reconstruction.  The last step was radiation which would be followed by a year of lower dose chemo/targeted therapy and an oral medicine with an injection for 10 years to keep the cancer at bay. 

I met with my cancer surgeon in September before I started chemo and she gave me more bad news, the cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes.  I was Stage 3c so I would have to have my lymph nodes removed as well.  I scheduled an appointment with a plastic surgeon to discuss my reconstruction options.  I went to my first plastic surgery appointment and I left that office in complete tears.  I was scared and all I could think about were the scars the doctor said I would have and how many I would have and how my breasts would never be the same.  It was more than I could handle after hearing from my oncologist that I was going to lose my hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, while on chemo.  I returned to my cancer surgeon and told her all of my concerns and she said I needed to go see Dr. Miles.  She explained to me the importance of having a caring and experienced plastic surgeon that I felt comfortable with.  I made an appointment to see Dr. Miles and from my very first visit I felt completely at ease.  He went over my options with me and talked me through each one.  He set my mind at ease and I can’t say enough about what an incredible peace I felt leaving his office that day.  Dr. Miles and his staff have been the happiest part of my journey.  Tara always has a smile and has such compassion for all of the patients.  She is thorough and organized and has a HUGE heart.  There was never any confusion with paperwork or insurance and everything was always handled so I never once had to worry or figure it out.  Vicki his nurse is extremely knowledgeable and very compassionate as well.  She really put my mind at ease as well and is incredible at what she does.  Dr. Miles did an amazing job with my surgery I honestly look better than I did before I had the tumor removed and reconstruction.  It has only been 7 months and I am completely healed and the scarring I was so worried about has been a non issue.  He did an excellent job and I am so thrilled to have him and his team with me on this journey.  My journey is not over yet but I can say with confidence that God truly directed my path to Dr. Miles and his office and I will forever be grateful."

CG

 

Heidi's Breast Cancer Story

It's almost the middle of October and we're still celebrating strong our breast cancer survivors this month.  Below is another story of strength, support and blessings from Heidi:

"At the age of 32 I was diagnosed with stage 3 B ductal carcinoma. It was a triple negative cancer and had spread to my lymph nodes. It was very aggressive and my tumor double in size in two weeks. The Dr. gave me a 60% chance to live 5 years. Yikes....it was extremely scary to say the least!!!

Thankfully I have an incredible family and wonderful friends who gave me the love and support I needed to make it through. And I CANNOT IMAGINE GOING THROUGH THAT WHATOUT THEM!!! I also had a great Dr. and very aggressive treatment and I am happy to report I have been in remission for the last 15 years!!!! WOOHOOO!!!

I wanted to celebrate this big 15 year milestone with breast reconstructive surgery. I researched and visited many Drs. One of the Drs. I visited refused to operate on me because of the side effects from my cancer treatment, but instead referred me to Dr. Miles. WHAT A BLESSING!!  He is the best! I instantly knew I wanted him to be my Dr. I felt so much love and confidence every time I went to his office. Dr. Miles and his entire staff are amazing! They are so kind, caring  and compassionate! I truly was sad to leave when my last appointment came, they were great friends to me! AND for the first time in 15 years I feel whole again!!!"

Heidi

 

Laleen's Breast Cancer Story

As a celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for all of October we will be releasing some of our breast cancer patient's stories; stories of fighting, survival, inspiration and hope.  Below is the first story that we would like to share with you:

Laleen's Breast Cancer Story

After losing my mom to pancreatic cancer, having two sisters diagnosed, treated and surviving breast cancer and a brother having survived prostate cancer, (and even more biological family members than that also with cancer), I couldn't be too surprised to find out that I too would enter a similar battle.

 

Yes, breast cancer requiring a double mastectomy and my choice to attempt reconstruction all at once. 

Although nervous coming out of anesthesia, I felt so blessed to wake up in a special pink printed corset-like velcro garment that was holding all the bandages in place. It was from Dr. Miles's wife, Vicki. It was such a sweet surprise and kind gesture, I felt cared for in such a personal way. 

Unfortunately, due to infection, which required some off office hours, and even an appointment on a holiday from both, Dr. Miles and his PA, Heather Parlett, I still had to have the expanders removed. After that I chose to wear the prosthesis' that several of my dearest friends purchased for me️...

Three years later my breast cancer has metastasized and I'm fighting the battle again, yet with much answered prayer and diligence I am beating it again! 

Looking forward to future reconstruction with the wonderful Dr. Miles and his incredible staff!

Continuing to enjoy a very blessed and fulfilled life!

Sincerely,

Laleen

The Believe Walk, An Inspiring and Uplifting Event

This past Sunday, our office was able to participate in the Believe Walk, Inland Empire Women Fighting Against Cancer.  It was an honor and an inspiration to be able to join with members of our community to help fight against cancer.  Despite the rainy weather, we had such an amazing time being surrounded by so many uplifting people and enjoyed being able to talk with them as they came to visit our booth.  Here are a few pictures from the day:

The pre game.  Trying to take cover from the rain while waiting to take our team picture

                      

Calling some team members to see if they've made it to the walk in time for team pictures

Our team made it!  

Our staff

Confidence is Beautiful!

Front and center, one of our very own cancer fighting patients!

Participants making their way up to the starting line on State Street

Starting line

Aerial view of the walk (thank you Redlands Fire Dept. for taking this pic)

Even our four-legged friends were walking for a cause!

The finish line

Participants were welcomed by cheers as they crossed the line

There was much to smile about!

Tara and Vicki in front of our booth.  We had a great time talking with everyone who stooped by to visit us

 Truth! An inspiring word!

If you have any pictures from the walk, we invite you to share them with us.  You can send them to Ashley at ashley@duncanmiles.com or you can share via facebook.  We would love to see your pics!

5 Reasons Why You Want to Save The Date For Our Be Holiday Ready Ultherapy Event

 

We invite you to save the date for our "Be Holiday Ready" Ultherapy Event!  Learn how you can get holiday ready, starting now by reviving tired eyes, gaining lovely lips and reducing sagging skin under your chin.  You wont want to miss out for this event, and here's 5 reasons why:


1. A night of Ultherapy education; learn how Ultherapy is like a non-invasive facelift that uses ultrasound technology.
2. Door prizes (receive a complimentary area of Ultherapy when you book an appointment that evening)
3. Appetizers
4. Special offers from Annette, our medical esthetician.  She'll have specials on Vi Peels and Obagi treatments.
5. Specials from Heather, our physicians assistant.  She'll have specials on:
          Voluma XC: $50 off first syringe and $100 off each additional syringe
           Botox Special: Purchase 2 or more syringes of Juvederm XC or Voluma XC and get Botox
                                    for $9 per unit
          Latisse Special: (while supplies last) $20 off 5ml vial of Latisse 

Please RSVP by Oct 13 to reserve your spot!  You may RSVP via Facebook here or call our office at (909) 509-5900.

PS Ultherapy makes for a great gift too!  Give that special someone a gift they'll never forget!