Liz F.

For Liz F., travel has been one of the great joys of retirement. In early 2020, a trip to South America turned into an adventure she wouldn’t soon forget.

“It was the third day of our trip,” she recalls. “My husband and I each received an email at the same time. His was from the travel agency, urging us to travel home early. Airlines were beginning to cancel flights as the pandemic was starting to spread. My email was from my OB/GYN. She had results from a biopsy I had prior to the vacation, and the results showed I had breast cancer.”

They immediately booked travel back to the U.S., and Liz soon began treatment. Her oncologist started her on an anti-estrogen therapy. Not long after, she was scheduled for surgery and underwent a single mastectomy.

As Liz prepared for surgery, she was introduced to Dr. Cohen, to discuss breast reconstruction options. “The first time I met him was by Zoom. He immediately made me feel comfortable. He was so reassuring about the whole process.”

Dr. Cohen helped her understand the different surgical approaches to breast reconstruction, so she was able to make an informed choice. She opted to have an implant procedure. According to Liz, she never felt pressured and ultimately felt great about her decision.

Liz’s reconstruction surgery was completed at the end of the year. She had a single implant placed as well as contouring on the other breast to ensure a symmetrical result. She believes her easy recovery—with hardly any pain—is a testament to Dr. Cohen’s surgical expertise.

Liz shares, “The results are so natural, and I’m glad I don’t have to worry about a prosthesis.” Getting back to her regular figure has also had added benefit: “Now I don’t even think about cancer. It’s behind me.”

Today, Liz is back to the things she enjoys, including a vacation in the Bahamas, where she is confident to wear her bathing suit and enjoy the sun.